Harshit Rana unlikely for New Zealand series; Hardik Pandya suffers another setback

Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana’s return is set ot be delayed as the two face new setbacks to their recoveries. Yes. India’s white-ball campaign faces further disruption after reports emerged on Sunday that all-rounder Pandya and fast bowler Rana have suffered fresh setbacks in their respective recoveries. The following development has cast doubt over their availability for upcoming international assignments. 

Harshit Rana unlikely for New Zealand series; Hardik Pandya suffers another setback

Rana was ruled out of the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, and he was also not part of the Asian Games following injury. While fans were eagerly waiting for his return, his comeback is now expected to be delayed following a new blow. As per a report in Dainik Jagran, Rana is set to miss the New Zealand series due to a delay in his rehabilitation process.  

On the other hand, according to sources close to the team, Pandya has developed discomfort in his right calf, while Rana’s rehabilitation from a quadriceps injury has been delayed. The developments were first highlighted by journalist Abhishek Tripathi of Jagran News. It has been reported that Pandya made good progress; however, during another simulation on September 19. He felt pain in his right calf. This led to the simulation being stopped, and an MRI later showed very mild intramedullary edema, which is linked to right medial tibial stress syndrome. 

Hardik Pandya has not played competitive cricket since IPL 2026

Pandya, one of India’s most valuable all-rounders in limited-overs cricket, has not played competitive cricket since the IPL 2026 season. He had been working towards a return at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and was named in the India A squad for the one-day series against Australia A, subject to fitness. However, after clearing an earlier fitness test, he experienced pain during a match simulation. 

Subsequent scans revealed mild intramedullary oedema in the right calf region, described as similar to medial tibial stress syndrome. Medical staff have reportedly advised 6-8 weeks of rest along with targeted treatment including bisphosphonate therapy and Vitamin D supplementation. This latest issue compounds a difficult period for the 32-year-old. 

Pandya has dealt with recurring lower-body problems, including earlier shin and tibial stress concerns that already ruled him out of the Australia A matches scheduled for early October. With India’s multi-format tour of New Zealand beginning later this month, with five T20Is from October 22, followed by ODIs and Tests, his participation now looks increasingly unlikely in the white-ball leg. Team management remains hopeful he can return before the end of the year, but the extended rest period leaves little room for error. 

Harshit Rana is currently dealing with viral illness; return expected in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Delhi  

Rana’s situation is equally frustrating for the selectors. The young right-arm pacer had been recovering from a low-grade strain in his left quadriceps sustained during a match simulation on September 7. That injury forced him out of the T20I series against Afghanistan and the Asian Games. The initial plan was for him to resume bowling this week under close medical supervision at the Centre of Excellence, with a gradual increase in workload. 

Instead, a viral illness has forced the medical team to pause his return-to-play programme. Rana is currently dealing with fever, cold symptoms and a sore throat, further delaying what was already a careful rehabilitation process. His absence adds pressure on India’s pace reserves, particularly with several other bowlers managing their own workloads. He has now been advised to recover fully before the resumption of his rehabilitation and other activities. 

According to reports, the fans have to wait longer for his comeback as he may now target a return in domestic cricket, potentially the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Delhi next month, rather than the New Zealand tour. 

The new setback comes amid India’s defeat to West Indies; ahead of important New Zealand assignment 

The dual setbacks come at an awkward time for the Indian team. India recently suffered a defeat against the West Indies, and the upcoming New Zealand assignment represents an important challenge across formats. Team sources indicate that both players remain under the care of BCCI medical staff. 

Pandya has been a key figure in India’s limited-overs success for years, while Rana represents the next generation of fast bowling talent. Their prolonged absences will test the depth of India’s bench and the ability of emerging players to step up. The Indian team will now look to study and finalise plans for the New Zealand tour without two important members of the squad. 

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