Hardik Pandya’s comeback boosts India as all-rounder likely to return before crucial New Zealand T20I series

India fast bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is currently on the road to recovery from a left quadricep injury he got during the Asia Cup 2025, has received clearance to return to the T20 format. The star all-rounder will be playing his first match in nearly two-and-a-half months against Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

When will Hardik make cricketing comeback?

The 32-year-old all-rounder was supposed to play the December 4 game between Baroda and Gujarat with national selector Pragyan Ojha in attendance during both games to check his overall fitness before the squad is announced.

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"From October 21 to November 30, Hardik didn't even move out of the COE and completed his full rehab and 'Return To Play' protocols. As of now, he has been given the all clear -- to bat and bowl in T20Is -- and he has already linked up with the Baroda team for the Punjab game. He will play on December 4 vs Gujarat and if the Indian team management doesn't summon him earlier, then he plans to play the December 6 game against Haryana also," a source in the know of the developments at the COE informed, as quoted by PTI.

When did Hardik get injured?

Hardik Pandya got injured in October during the Asia Cup 2025 clash against Sri Lanka after getting the injury he missed the mega event's final against Pakistan, where India defeated India Men in Green by five wickets to win the title.

When will Hardik make an international comeback?

Hardik will make his international cricketing comeback in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand which will start from January 21 next year.