India's star white-ball all-rounder Hardik Pandya is finally set to return to the 22 yards after recovering from injury. He could not play in the Asia Cup T20 final against Pakistan in Dubai last month due to a left thigh injury, but he will likely make his comeback in the home white-ball series against South Africa in November-December.
After the two-match Test series, India and South Africa will face each other in a three-match ODI series starting November 30 in Ranchi, followed by a five-match T20 series beginning December 9 in Cuttack.
ALSO READ | India face 'first defeat since 17 years' in T20I at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Aussies take 1-0 lead
A BCCI source told Times of India, “After a holiday break, Hardik reported to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Nov 21. He will be at the CoE for a month. He has started his gym sessions and should be back in action during the white-ball series against South Africa at some point.”
Meanwhile, India's star batter Shreyas Iyer is expected to remain out of action for nearly two months due to a torn spleen and rib injury sustained in the third ODI against Australia. Due to this injury, he will not be able to play in the home ODI series against South Africa. Whether he can return for the ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11 remains uncertain.
ALSO READ | Kohli to Tendulkar: Cricket greats unite to hail Jemimah Rodrigues and Women in Blue after stunning win
Shreyas wrote on X (formerly on Twitter) on Thursday morning, “I’m currently in recovery process and getting better, every passing day. I'm deeply grateful to see all the kind wishes and support I've received- it truly means a lot. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts.”
