Hardik Pandya set to return to competitive cricket with India A, fitness clearance still required

Hardik Pandya will now return to the game again for the first time after IPL 2026. The India all-rounder got his name in the India A white-ball squad for the upcoming series against Australia A in Puducherry with his name remaining subject to clearance due to fitness.

Pandya last featured for Mumbai Indians during their disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. He was later ruled out of the Diamonds XI’s squad for the second ODI due to a quadriceps injury picked up during a fitness test held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengalur.

Pandya missed out on being fit for the Indian team as well and was not fit to compete in the ODI series with Afghanistan and subsequent ODI assignments. His inclusion in India A has now given him a chance to compete again given he is fit and clear for such actions.

Australia A’s tour kicks off with two-day tests. Devdutt Padikkal will captain the India A side in longer format matches while vice-captain, Saï Sudharsan will bounce back from a foot ailment.

The first multi day tournament will take place at the Puducherry ground on September 22 and the second at the same ground on September 29.

A tour will then proceed in the white ball competition with the three one day matches slated for 6, 9 and 11 October in Puducherry. Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the India A ODI team.

It will be closely watched how Hardik Pandya does on his return, especially as his fitness remains critical. His long layoff from the game would be well rewarded with another shot at the Australia A series, if it is cleared.