New Delhi: India’s build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup has prompted a significant shift in player management, with Hardik Pandya expected to sit out the upcoming ODI series against South Africa as he continues to recover from a quadriceps injury. The three-match series, beginning November 30, is not considered central to India’s immediate roadmap, and the all-rounder will focus exclusively on T20 workloads for now.
Hardik has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence after hurting his quadriceps during last year’s Asia Cup in Dubai, which ruled him out of the final. Officials familiar with the recovery plan noted that jumping directly into the physical demands of 50-over cricket would carry unnecessary risk. His return will instead be phased through shorter-format competitions, beginning with domestic T20s.
He is expected to first prove match readiness while playing for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. If all goes well, he will rejoin India’s T20 squad for the South Africa and New Zealand series before the new year. The Mumbai Indians captain will then remain focused on T20 cricket leading into the World Cup.
Jasprit Bumrah is also likely to be rested for the South Africa ODIs as the team manages the workloads of its frontline fast bowlers. With limited relevance for long-term planning, the ODI contests against both South Africa and New Zealand are expected to feature a more rotation-based approach.
After the next IPL, the senior group’s attention will shift toward preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle. For now, India’s priority remains the shortest format, with Hardik’s full recovery and sustained fitness forming a crucial part of the strategy.
