New Delhi: India all-rounder Hardik Pandya could remain out of competitive cricket until the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 as he continues his recovery from a stress injury on the inner side of his calf. According to a report by Dainik Jagran, the cricketer is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence (BCCI CoE) in Bengaluru.
His return will depend on how well he progresses through a phased fitness programme. With the next IPL season expected to begin in March 2027, Pandya may not be available for competitive action before the tournament.
Hardik Pandya’s Rehabilitation Plan and Recovery Timeline
Pandya began rehabilitation at the BCCI CoE following the IPL earlier this year. Although he had been expected to return sooner, a fresh setback delayed his comeback.
According to Dainik Jagran, his medical reports were reviewed by Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala last week. Dr Pardiwala, who has worked with several Indian cricketers, has prepared a rehabilitation plan to help the all-rounder regain fitness without putting excessive pressure on the injured area.
As part of the reported recovery schedule, Pandya is expected to begin jogging after three weeks. His running workload will then be increased gradually over the following eight weeks. Strength training is also expected to become more intensive in stages, with precautions taken to avoid aggravating the injury.
His return to cricket will depend on his response to rehabilitation and progress through the prescribed fitness programme.
Which India Series Has Hardik Pandya Missed?
Pandya last played competitive cricket for the Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026. His most recent appearance for India came in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026. Since then, the all-rounder has missed several international assignments in white-ball cricket.
According to the supplied report, he missed the three-match home ODI series against Afghanistan, followed by India’s tour of Ireland and England. He was also unavailable for the tour of Zimbabwe, three T20Is against Afghanistan at home and the Asian Games.
Pandya was not part of India’s recently concluded ODI and T20I series against the West Indies either.
Hardik Pandya’s Availability for Upcoming Series
Pandya has also been left out of India’s ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. His recovery timeline could further affect his availability for subsequent international fixtures.
He is expected to miss the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on December 13, as well as the ODI series against Zimbabwe, which is due to start on January 3.
For now, his primary focus remains on rehabilitation. The timing of his return will depend on his recovery, with IPL 2027 emerging as a possible target for his comeback.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the information provided and reports attributed to Dainik Jagran. Injury updates and projected return dates may change depending on medical assessments and recovery progress. The timeline mentioned should be treated as provisional unless confirmed by the player, the BCCI or his team.