Hardik Pandya has been pivotal to India's modern white-ball dominance, acting as the premier seam-bowling all-rounder, providing crucial balance, explosive finishing, and key breakthroughs in ICC events.

His ability to perform under pressure—notably in the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy—solidified his role as a big-match player. He was also instrumental in India's successful 2026 T20 World Cup title defence on home soil.

As the BCCI now plans to identify the squad to ensure a strong 2027 ODI World Cup campaign, Hardik has been told by the board to keep himself fit and available for the quadrennial event, slated to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

According to a TOI report, Pandya had an open conversation with the selectors and the team management after missing the New Zealand ODIs earlier this year.

At the time, BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia had said that Pandya wasn't considered because he couldn't convince the selectors that he could deliver 10 overs at full tilt.

The report also suggests that the decision-makers communicated to Hardik Pandya in January 2026 that they expect him to be fit to bowl his full 10-over quota leading up to the World Cup.

"Hardik is expected to play a big role in the ODI setup since the World Cup will be played on fast and bouncy pitches in South Africa. He can lend the perfect balance. He has to convince the selectors and the team management that he will be available to bowl 10 overs. He may not be required to do so in every match. The captain may end up bowling him for 6-7 overs in most matches. But he should be available if the captain needs more from him," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by the publication.

Hardik is ramping up his training at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) and other facilities, shuttling between Mumbai and Baroda with a dedicated team.

“Hardik has been increasing his workload. He has worked on his action to bowl in-swingers as well without compromising on pace. That’s why he has been entrusted to bowl with the new ball in T20s. He feels his body is ready to cope with the rigours of bowling 10 overs in ODIs. He understands his body well enough and is working towards staying fit to bowl 10 overs,” the source claimed.

Hardik Pandya, who is currently leading Mumbai Indians in the IPL, has represented India in 94 ODIs so far, scoring 1904 runs at an average of 32.83 and a strike rate of 110.9. He has also picked 91 wickets with his medium pace, including the career-best figures of 4/24.