Hardik Pandya cleared for comeback, set to feature in the IND vs SA T20I series: Reports

Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to make his comeback on the field after being sidelined for over two months. The pacer sustained a quadriceps injury during the India vs Sri Lanka Super 4s clash at the Asia Cup 2025 in September. Consequently, the speedster was ruled out of the India vs Pakistan final, and in turn, missed the Australia Tour. Now, with the 2026 T20 World Cup approaching swiftly, the BCCI has launched a phased plan to bring Pandya back to action, with the upcoming IND vs SA T20I series positioned as a significant step in the process.

Hardik Pandya set to toil in SMAT; likely to play the IND vs SA T20I series upon successful return from injury

Hardik Pandya has reportedly wrapped up an extensive rehabilitation programme at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and has now been medically cleared to resume bowling in T20Is. As per a recent report, Pandya's return is expected during next month’s five-match IND vs SA T20I series. The 32-year-old successfully completed his 'Return to Play' requirements during his stay at the CoE from October 21 to November 30, allowing him to re-enter competitive cricket in the shortest format.

The pace all-rounder has been out of action since picking up a left quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup 2025 in September. The blow forced him to miss both the Australia Tour and the ongoing India vs South Africa ODI series. The BCCI had already indicated that, in the build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, Pandya would primarily be managed as a T20I specialist. Effectively, his clearance as a fully operational all-rounder significantly strengthens India’s planning for the format.

In line with his gradual comeback plan, Hardik Pandya will next represent Baroda in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The domestic stint is planned in a bid to gauge how his body responds under match intensity. The report stated that Pandya is expected to feature in at least two fixtures, against Punjab on December 2 and Gujarat on December 4, with the key focus being his ability to bowl across consecutive games. A possible third appearance, versus Haryana on December 6, is also being considered as part of his structured return.

To closely monitor the all-rounder's progress, national selector and former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has been tasked with observing Hardik during this domestic phase. The decision reflects the importance of Hardik’s dual role in India’s T20I blueprint, where his finishing ability and seam-bowling depth remain crucial in maintaining balance in the India Playing XI.

The India vs South Africa T20I series begins on December 9 in Cuttack. The report specifies that if Hardik complete his SMAT outings without concerns, he is expected to rejoin the national camp for the series. With the 2026 T20 World Cup looming less than three months away, the BCCI’s approach has been to ensure that their most influential all-rounder is preserved for the format where his value is the highest.