India head coach Gautam Gambhir has said that Hardik Pandya needs to play more competitive cricket before he can return to the national team. Gambhir also confirmed that Pandya is not currently ready to bowl his full 10-over quota in an ODI match.
The comments came after India completed a 3-0 T20I series victory against Afghanistan. Pandya was not included in India’s squads for the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies as he continues to work on his fitness and bowling workload.
Pandya has not played competitive cricket since May this year because of injury and fitness concerns. His most recent competitive appearance came for Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026.
Gambhir said the team management needs to be careful with Pandya’s return because international cricket can place significant physical demands on a player. He indicated that Pandya should first build up his match fitness before being considered for a return to the Indian team.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has taken advantage of his opportunities. Reddy impressed during the Afghanistan T20I series, taking six wickets across the three matches. However, he has not been included in India’s Asian Games squad as he is being kept available for the ODI series against the West Indies.
Pandya has been named in the India A squad for a three-match ODI series against Australia A in Puducherry. His participation, however, is subject to fitness clearance. The matches are scheduled to be played on October 6, 9 and 11, with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the India A side.
The India A series could provide Pandya with an important opportunity to regain competitive match practice. Playing against Australia A would allow him to assess his fitness and bowling workload in a competitive environment before a possible return to international cricket.
Gambhir indicated that Pandya’s performances in these matches could be important for his future selection. If he proves his fitness and performs well, he could come back into consideration for upcoming India squads.
India’s white-ball schedule is also busy in the coming weeks. The ODI series against the West Indies is scheduled to begin on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by a T20I series starting on October 6.
At the same time, India will begin its Asian Games campaign on September 28 with a quarter-final match. The medal matches are scheduled for October 3, making the period an important one for India’s limited-overs players.
For Pandya, the immediate focus will be on achieving full fitness and getting enough match time. The India A series could serve as an important step in that process before selectors consider him for a return to the national side.