Indian team management is likely to be without their charismatic all-rounder Hardik Pandya when they visit England for the three-match ODI series on their upcoming UK tour. India is set to play two T20Is in Ireland before coming to England and playing five T20Is against them from July 1 to July 11.
Then the two sides are set to clash in a three-ODI series from July 14 to 19.
Hardik Pandya, as per the India Today report, has failed to attain the required fitness levels for 50-over cricket and will miss the England ODI series.
Pandya recently underwent a checkup at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as he recovered from a back spasm incurred while playing for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2026. He had even bowled his entire quota of 10 overs during training sessions, fueling hopes of a quick turnaround.
According to sources, Pandya is unavailable for selection in England's One-Day Internationals because he has yet to complete a full bowling workload and needs more time to regain ODI fitness. The setback came just as the 32-year-old was about to return to the format after a long hiatus.
But during the rehab, Pandya suffered a setback as he sustained a fresh quadriceps strain. The increased bowling exertion during his fitness evaluations may have contributed to the injury.
Because of the balance he offers as a pace-bowling all-rounder and a potent finisher with the bat, Pandya continues to be an important part of the white-ball setup. Since he sustained an ankle injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh, his absence has frequently left India looking for the ideal combination.
The team management has been eager to give Pandya more exposure to 50-over cricket while carefully controlling his workload, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa quickly approaching.
India is still looking for all-around solutions. Recently, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate supported Nitish Kumar Reddy as Pandya's long-term replacement and backup. As the Indian team prepares for the 2027 World Cup, they have been closely monitoring his progress.
