Hardik Pandya Facing Months On Sidelines, Might Not Play Until IPL 2027: Report

Hardik Pandya likely to be out of action until IPL 2027© AFP

Hardik Pandya's wait to feature in meaningful competitive cricket before next year's Indian Premier League looks to have been extended. According to a report, the star all-rounder is currently deep into rehabilitation at Bengaluru's Centre of Excellence for a stress injury on the inner side of his shin. The latest medical assessments coming out of the CoE are hinting towards a long and cautious road ahead for the all-rounder who had had to face several injury issues over the last 2-3 years. Hadik is reportedly still three weeks away from even starting light jogging, and once he clears that hurdle, his running load will be increased gradually over the course of another eight weeks.

According to a report in Dainik Jagran, the medical team has wisely chosen not to slap a hard deadline on his full match-fitness, acknowledging that getting him back to peak physical condition simply cannot be rushed. In fact, it is quite possible that Hardik will not be seen in action until the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season.

Why Hardik Pandya Might Not Play Until IPL 2027

Unsurprisingly, this recovery timeline has completely ruled him out of the upcoming New Zealand tour. Looking further down the calendar, it is virtually impossible that he will recover in time for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka starting on December 13, or the ODI assignment against Zimbabwe scheduled for January 3. By the time he is actually cleared to play cricket again, the domestic calendar will have moved on entirely, with both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy already wrapped up for the season.

Of course, India will be tied up with a grueling five-match Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia from January 21 to March 3, but given that Hardik no longer plays the longest format, that window passes him by as well. When you map out the months, the math leaves only one logical conclusion: Hardik Pandya's competitive return will likely happen straight into the IPL next year, though it is yet to be known which franchise's jersey will he be wearing.

Away from Pandya's rehabilitation, the wider injury room is seeing some positive movement. Rishabh Pant is gearing up to begin light skill training as early as next week, while any final call on Prashasti's availability will be locked in only after a round of rigorous match simulations.

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