New Delhi: India’s preparations for the upcoming tour of Australia have suffered a major setback with star allrounder Hardik Pandya ruled out of the three-match ODI series due to injury. Pandya sustained a left quadriceps strain during the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, forcing him to miss the tournament final against Pakistan on September 28 in Dubai.
According to reports, medical experts have advised Pandya four weeks of rest, effectively ruling him out of the ODI leg of the tour scheduled from October 19 to 23. However, there remains hope that he could recover in time to feature in the five-match T20I series, starting October 29.
India, who lifted the Asia Cup after a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan, had remained unbeaten throughout the campaign. Pandya played a crucial role in that run, opening the bowling alongside Jasprit Bumrah and contributing valuable runs in the middle order. From six matches, he picked up four wickets and provided stability with the bat.
Reflecting on his absence from the Asia Cup final, Pandya admitted he was “gutted” to miss what he described as the most important match of the tournament. “The way the boys played was outstanding. They showed a lot of character,” he said in a BCCI video message.
Despite Pandya’s setback, the tour could mark the return of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom have been out of action since IPL 2025. With retirement from T20Is and Tests already confirmed, this ODI series might be among their last international outings.
The Asia Cup also highlighted the rise of Abhishek Sharma, who scored over 300 runs at a strike rate of 200, often seizing control of matches inside the Powerplay. Pandya praised the young opener, saying, “Outstanding effort by Abhishek from the top – the way he played and the fearlessness he showed, half the game he won for us in the Powerplay itself.”
For now, India will be forced to rejig their balance in Pandya’s absence, especially with his dual role as a fast bowler and middle-order hitter. Whether he returns in time for the T20Is could prove decisive as India look to maintain their winning momentum on Australian soil.
