Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has shown concern over star all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s chances for the ICC World Cup 2027 tournament, sharing his fitness record. Kaif called Pandya one of India’s biggest match-winners but was uncertain over whether he would still be part of India's plans going forward.
This comes after Hardik Pandya was ruled out of the Afghanistan ODIs and the tour of the UK. Pandya had suffered back spasms during IPL 2026, missing a few matches for the Mumbai Indians. He reported to the CoE for rehab and recovery, missing out on Afghanistan ODIs.
He was set to return to action for the England ODI series but suffered a quadriceps strain while undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's CoE in Bengaluru. Although Pandya is anticipated to return to full fitness by the first week of July, there are still questions about his capacity to bowl ten overs.
"I cannot take the guarantee of him. Even I do not understand his case. He is such a big match-winner. No one is close to him as an all-rounder in the current lot. He also knows this. But his body is fragile. He was injured in 2023 as well, and after that it has not been the same. There are no talks about his injury and any proper reasons given, though. I do not know what is being said or what the official reason is. You tell me if you know. We only know through sources," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Additionally, Kaif criticized the lack of communication about Hardik's fitness state, claiming that fans should be given more information if a crucial player is sidelined.
"Fans also have the right to know exactly what has happened, and we need more transparency. This has been the case with Hardik throughout his career. There are always questions about his injury as to what has happened exactly and why he is missing out," he added.
Furthermore, Kaif also discussed the absence of Yashasvi Jaiswal in India’s ODI plans. He was omitted from India’s ODI squad for the England series despite scoring 110* in the final ODI. Virat Kohli’s return to the India squad has prompted BCCI selectors to leave out Jaiswal.
Kaif also added that the presence of Ishan Kishan as a backup opener and keeper has led to Jaiswal losing his spot in the India squad.
"Jaiswal will play. He will be an all-format player. His time will come too. Agarkar had said they can select only 15 players, and I agree with him. We have a lot of solid players, and a few people will always miss out like this. They had to pick either Jaiswal or Ishan Kishan. Kishan got the nod because he can bat in the middle as well. Jaiswal is a proper opener. And Kishan can be a backup wicketkeeper as well. Also, Gambhir wants Kishan to be there. That liking is there too. I said this the last time as well. His form is good too, so I agree with the call. Jaiswal will have to wait a bit," Kaif stated.
Kaif is still certain that Jaiswal would succeed in all three formats for India. For the time being, though, the young player could need to exercise patience as competition for spots heats up in front of the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.
