Shubman Gill confirms Hardik Pandya to make domestic comeback ahead of India recall: 'He will play domestic cricket'
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya's long-awaited return to competitive cricket appears to be drawing closer, with ODI captain Shubman Gill confirming that the star cricketer will feature in domestic cricket before rejoining the national side.
The wait for India all-rounder Hardik Pandya's return continues, and with the ICC ODI World Cup fast approaching next year, a fresh update has emerged on the star cricketer after Shubman Gill confirmed that he will feature in domestic cricket before making his comeback to the national team.
Hardik has been out of action since the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season and is currently at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He has been dealing with multiple injuries since May but is said to be nearing a competitive return.
Hardik to play domestic cricket, confirms Gill
At the pre-match press conference for the 1st IND vs NZ ODI, Gill revealed that Hardik is expected to play domestic cricket before making his comeback, expressing hope that he will rejoin the Indian cricket team soon.
"Hardik Pandya is a great all-rounder. Not many players in the world have his skill set. As a bowler, you can use him in different facets of the game. He can bowl with the new ball and the old ball. We have had multiple conversations. He is unfortunate with his injuries.
"He hasn't played since the IPL. Hopefully, he will come back soon. He will play some domestic cricket. And hopefully we will get him back in the Indian team soon," the India ODI captain said.
Hardik needs to prove his worth
Gill's remark on Hardik indicates that the all-rounder will have to prove his worth in the BCCI's upcoming white-ball domestic tournaments such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which will take place in the November-December window.
With stiff competition breathing down his neck from Nitish Reddy, Hardik would have to put up a fight to regain his position.
Notably, Hardik was provisionally named as part of India A's squad for the one-day series against Australia A, with his availability subject to fitness clearance. But another injury setback forced the all-rounder to withdraw from the series and undergo complete rest.
Hardik is missing out on crucial game time with the Indian cricket team, which is set to kick off a three-match ODI series, starting November 04, 2026, at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
