No surgery needed, return likely in India vs South Africa series

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No surgery needed, return likely in India vs South Africa series

Credit: Surjeet Yadav/MB Media via Alamy

South Africa’s white-ball tour of India, three ODIs and five T20Is, begins on November 30.

Hardik Pandya should regain fitness for the upcoming India vs South Africa series. The all-rounder had suffered a quadriceps injury on his left leg before the 2025 Asia Cup final and has been out ever since. Subsequently, Hardik was ruled out of the India vs Australia series, which is underway.

“Hardik won’t be fit for Australia due to the injury he picked up before the Asia Cup final. We’ll know more once he starts rehab at the COE next week,” Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar had said while announcing the squad for Australia.

Hardik Pandya to play in the IND vs SA series

The all-rounder checked into the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) on October 14 and has been undergoing rehabilitation. Hardik is expected to spend four weeks in Bengaluru and regain fitness for the India vs South Africa series.

Luckily, Hardik won’t need surgery. The medical team at the CoE has been monitoring every step of his since he’s the biggest white-ball commodity for Team India. The 32-year-old was on a short break for Diwali. He was recently spotted at the Mumbai airport and will recheck himself at the CoE on October 22.

BCCI would plan to ease Hardik back into international cricket. With the 2026 T20 World Cup around the corner, you don’t want to risk his fitness. We all saw the role he played in India’s triumph against South Africa in Barbados last year, and losing him isn’t something Team India can afford.