Hardik Pandya's planned return to competitive cricket has encountered another obstacle, according to a report from timesofindia.indiatimes.com. The news outlet, which published the update on September 1, 2026, did not provide specific details about the nature of the setback.
The report comes amid broader discussions about India's squad for an upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan. According to Rediff, Pandya and another player named Reddy are likely to feature in that series, though the report offers no confirmation of Pandya's fitness status.
Other outlets have covered related selection news. NDTV Sports reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India has discussed a player who had been overlooked for five years ahead of the Afghanistan series. India.com, meanwhile, indicated that a Mumbai Indians player faces bad news regarding the same series, though the identity of that player was not specified in the available material.
Bhaskar English reported that Jasprit Bumrah's recovery is on track for the Asian Games in 2026. The same outlet noted that Krunal Pandya could return to the India squad following his performances in the Indian Premier League.
The various reports suggest that India's selection picture for the Afghanistan T20I series remains fluid, with several players' availability still uncertain. Hardik Pandya's status, in particular, appears unresolved as he continues to work toward a return from injury.
What to watch next: Whether the BCCI provides an official update on Pandya's fitness and the final squad announcement for the Afghanistan series.
