Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will likely to miss the three-match ODI series against South Africa, which is scheduled to start from November 30. Hardik, who missed the Asia Cup 2025 final after getting injured in a dead-rubber clash against Sri Lanka, that forced to miss the title decider against Pakistan.
After that, the premier all-rounder also missed India's white ball series in Australia, where the Men in Blue played three ODIs and five T20Is.
Why Hardik-Bumrah will miss ODIs against South Africa
News agency PTI reported that Hardik, who is currently recuperating from a quadriceps injury, is likely to focus solely on the shortest format for now. Apart from Hardik, Bumrah will also likely to be rested from the three-match ODI series to manage his workload. Notably, the legendary speedster missed India's last ODI assignment against Australia, where the Shubman Gill-led side suffered a 2-1 defeat in the three-match series.
"Hardik is recovering well from his quadriceps injury at the moment. He is at the Centre of Excellence doing his RTP (Return To Play) routines. As of now, returning from quadriceps injury, he needs to build up his workload and straightaway playing 50 overs will be risky. Till the T20 World Cup, the BCCI medical team and Hardik would focus on T20Is," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
PTI also reported that Hardik will first prove his match fitness for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and the Mumbai Indians skipper would then play the T20I series against South Africa and New Zealand. There are three ODIs against New Zealand as well, but 50-over cricket holds limited importance until the T20 World Cup. Post the next IPL, the focus for senior players will shift to the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.