Hardik Pandya‘s much-awaited return to competitive cricket has suffered another setback. The Baroda all-rounder has been ruled out of the India A one-day series against Australia A, starting next week.
Pandya had originally been included in India’s A squad for the three-match unofficial ODI series, but his selection was subject to fitness clearance. The latest injury setback means he will have to wait longer before returning to competitive action.
The three India A vs Australia A one-day matches are scheduled to be played in Puducherry on October 6, 9 and 11, with Ruturaj Gaikwad set to lead the Indian side.
Hardik Pandya suffers fresh injury setback
Pandya’s return had been closely followed after he was initially named in the India A squad last month. The purpose of the assignment was to give the experienced all-rounder an opportunity to regain match fitness before potentially returning to the senior Indian side.
However, the 32-year-old experienced discomfort in his right calf last month. An MRI scan subsequently revealed mild intramedullary oedema, with the injury described as being consistent with right medial tibial stress syndrome.
The latest setback is another frustrating chapter in Pandya’s rehabilitation. He has been working towards a return to competitive cricket after spending considerable time recovering from injury, but his comeback has now been delayed once again.
For India, managing Pandya carefully will be important given his value as a seam-bowling all-rounder. Rather than rushing him back, the team management is expected to prioritise his long-term fitness.
Who has replaced Hardik Pandya in the India A squad?
With Pandya unavailable, Suryansh Shedge has been drafted into the India A squad.
The 23-year-old Mumbai all-rounder is no stranger to the India setup. Shedge made his international debut during India’s T20I tour of Ireland in June and subsequently featured in the T20I series against England and Zimbabwe.
He also impressed during the India A 50-over tri-series in Sri Lanka, scoring 147 runs in five matches and contributing with the ball. His ability to contribute in both departments makes him a logical replacement for Pandya in the A side.
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Shedge’s inclusion also comes shortly after his own injury setback. He had been recovering from a quadriceps injury at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru before being cleared to join India A.
His return gives him another chance to make an impression and strengthen his credentials as a seam-bowling all-rounder.
India A squad for Australia A One-Day series
Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Devdutt Padikkal (vc), Priyansh Arya, Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Arshin Kulkarni, Arshad Khan, Naman Dhir, Suryansh Shedge, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Gurjapneet Singh, Yash Thakur.