On Saturday (1st February), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out from the upcoming Test series in New Zealand.
The 26-year-old all-rounder Pandya last played for India in September 2019. He was suffering from the lower back problem since the Asia Cup 2018, where he received an injury on his lower back during the group stage match against Pakistan.
The all-rounder handled that issue for a long time and finally underwent successful surgery last October. Taking in mind the IPL 2020 and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020, Hardik felt that it was the right time for his surgery.
According to the previous reports, Pandya needs to take three-four months to regain his match fitness. After playing in the home T20I series against South Africa in last September, he missed out the home Test series against South Africa, home T20I and Test series against Bangladesh. Besides, home limited-overs series against the West Indies and home T20I series against Sri Lanka and ODI series against Australia.
Well, just ahead of the India tour of New Zealand, Pandya was named in the India A List A squad for the New Zealand tour. However, later, he missed out that entire series due to taking more time to regain his fitness. So, the all-rounder has also missed the T20I and ODI series of the ongoing New Zealand tour.
Now, the BCCI has confirmed that Hardik will also miss the upcoming two-match Test series against the hosts New Zealand. This Test series will run between 21st February and 4th March 2020.
Hardik Pandya will be under rehab at the NCA – BCCI confirmed
According to the latest BCCI press release, Hardik travelled to London for a review by spinal surgeon Dr James Allibone. NCA Head Physio Ashish Kaushik also travelled with him.
The board added, “Hardik will be under rehab at the National Cricket Academy until he regains full match fitness.”
The Test squad for the New Zealand tour will be announced soon. The board has already appointed the new three-member Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) who will soon elect the members of the vacant positions of the national selection committee.