India’s premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya faces an extended period on the sidelines after sustaining a significant injury, leaving his participation in the upcoming India tour of Australia in doubt. The tour, scheduled to begin on October 19, features three ODIs followed by five T20Is.
According to reports from Dainik Jagran, the Mumbai Indians skipper was advised to rest for four weeks after suffering a left quadriceps injury during India’s Asia Cup Super 4s clash against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Stadium. The injury forced him to miss the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, with Rinku Singh stepping in for the summit clash.
ODIs Likely Out, T20Is a Possibility
Even in a best-case scenario, Pandya is expected to miss the entire three-match ODI series, which will also mark the potential return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli following their Test retirements earlier this year.
The five-match T20I series, starting October 29 at Manuka Oval, Hobart, remains a distant possibility for Pandya if his recovery progresses faster than anticipated. The BCCI Medical Team is expected to issue an official assessment soon, which will provide clarity on his availability for the T20 fixtures.
Hardik’s Asia Cup Performance
In the 2025 Asia Cup, Pandya shared the new ball with Jasprit Bumrah, playing six out of eight matches. He took four wickets and scored 48 runs, with a top score of 38 against Bangladesh in the Super 4s.
During the Super 4s match against Sri Lanka, Pandya bowled just one over before leaving the field due to pain and did not return, ruling him out of subsequent matches including the final.
India Clinches Ninth Asia Cup Title
In Hardik’s absence, India overcame early setbacks in the final against Pakistan. At 20/3, with Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill dismissed, a composed performance from *Tilak Varma (69 off 53 balls)**, alongside Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh, guided India to a five-wicket victory with two balls to spare, securing the country’s ninth Asia Cup title.
Looking Ahead
India will closely monitor Pandya’s recovery over the next few weeks. His presence in the T20I series against Australia could prove crucial, adding balance to the squad with his all-round abilities. Meanwhile, India’s squad management faces the challenge of planning for the ODIs without one of its key players.