EXCLUSIVE: After missing Australia’s white ball series, Team India’s all-rounder star Hardik Pandya is likely to be out from the upcoming ODI series against South Africa as he continues his recovery from a quadriceps tear sustained during the Asia Cup 2025.
The injury forced him to miss several matches, and the team management is taking a cautious approach to his return.
According to News24 Reporter Vaibhav Bhola, Hardik Pandya is doubtful for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, as the pain is still there.
❗️ Big Breaking & Exclusive ❗️
Hardik Pandya Doubtful For Africa Series.
Pain Is Still There. pic.twitter.com/D9lLz6XkE5
— Vaibhav Bhola 🇮🇳 (@VibhuBhola) November 19, 2025
Was set to make a comeback in SMAT
Pandya was set to make his comeback through Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before rejoining the Indian squad for the three ODIs and five T20Is against South Africa. He has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and is working hard to regain full fitness in time for the T20 World Cup 2026.
IND-SA ODI series
India’s white-ball series against South Africa begins with the ODIs starting November 30, followed by T20Is from December 9. While Pandya’s presence would boost the team’s balance and firepower, the management is prioritizing his long-term fitness over rushing him back for the series.
Fans would be watching closely as Pandya edges closer to full fitness, hoping to see one of India’s most impactful all-rounders back in action for the high-stakes series and the T20 World Cup next year.