Hardik Pandya set to make his international return in South Africa T20Is

Swashbuckling all-rounder Hardik Pandya is finally set to return to international cricket in the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa. After nearly three months on the sidelines due to a left quadricep injury suffered during the Asia Cup in September, Pandya has completed his rehabilitation and cleared his fitness with a match-winning performance for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). 

Hardik last played for India in the Asia Cup and has since undergone an intensive rehab program at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. The board had already indicated its intention to manage him as a T20I-only player in the build-up to the World Cup, keeping his workload restricted to the shortest format. Over the past six weeks, he completed his Return to Play (RTP) protocols and received clearance to resume full all-around duties. 

Hardik to play at least two more SMAT matches

The 32-year-old announced his return in brilliant fashion on Tuesday with an unbeaten 77 off 42 balls against Punjab in the SMAT, guiding Baroda to a seven-wicket chase of 223, the third-highest successful chase in the tournament’s history. Even though his bowling wasn't up to the mark, as he returned with figures of 1 for 52 in four overs, his ability to deliver a full spell was a positive sign for the selectors and team management.

The BCCI has made it clear that Hardik’s availability as a bowling all-rounder is important to India’s balance in T20Is. Selector Pragyan Ojha has been assigned to track his progress throughout the domestic stretch, emphasising how crucial Hardik remains to India’s plans. He is expected to play at least two more SMAT matches, including against Gujarat on December 4, to further assess his response to back-to-back games.

Meanwhile, India faces a decision at the top of the order due to Shubman Gill’s neck injury, which has ruled him out since the first Test against South Africa. With Gill unlikely to be available, Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal are being considered to partner Abhishek Sharma. The selectors are also evaluating Riyan Parag for a potential middle-order role. The five-match T20I series begins on December 9 in Cuttack, followed by games in New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad.