Since the allrounder has undergone surgery in the United Kingdom (UK), Hardik Pandya hasn’t returned to represent Team India. However, he might come back in the team against South Africa in the ODI series which will start on March 12 in Dharamsala.
Last year, in the home series against South Africa, Pandya resurfaced with an old injury in his back. So, he decided to go under surgery to permanently recover from the pain. But the player is still not able to recover after the treatment.
Hardik Pandya would be available for selection soon: reports
Reportedly, he went for a routine check-up in the UK and has continued his rehabilitation period at National cricket Academy.
Speaking to IANS, the source within National Cricket Academy (NCA) in the know of developments said that Pandya has started working on his bowling at the academy and should be available for selection soon.
“He is back from the UK after a routine check-up and has also started bowling from this week. He should be available for selection soon. Can look at him with an eye on the South Africa series as you still have a month to go for the first ODI against the Proteas in Dharamsala,” NCA source.
The Baroda-based cricketer surfaced with the injury during the Asia Cup 2018. Since then, he was managing his injury but the cricketer finally decided to go under surgery.
Lastly, he was seen practising with the team in nets ahead of the ODI series against Australia.
Also, there were speculations that he might be included in the squad for the one-month long tour against New Zealand but he could not recover in time.
Meanwhile, the Men in Blue, after completing the ODI series, will head to play the two-match Test series against New Zealand which will start from 21st February.
After the Test series, South Africa will tour India to play three-match ODI series which will be played between 12 March and 18 March.