Gambhir Sends Clear Message on Hardik Pandya Comeback
Hardik Pandya’s return to India’s one-day team will not be based on reputation alone.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has stressed that the all-rounder needs enough cricket behind him before making his comeback. With the 2027 ODI World Cup in sight, India are not prepared to take risks with Pandya’s fitness.
“You cannot go there half-cooked,” Gambhir said in an interview with JioStar. His message was simple: Pandya must be ready for the demands of international cricket before he returns.
Hardik Still Needs Game Time
Pandya remains one of India’s most valuable players. He can bat at number six or seven and, when fully fit, provide a full 10-over spell in one-day cricket.
But Gambhir pointed out that Pandya has not played a lot of cricket since the IPL. That lack of game time is now a major part of the selection discussion.
“Game time going into the World Cup is going to be extremely, extremely important,” Gambhir said.
The coach wants Pandya to rebuild his rhythm through competitive cricket instead of being pushed straight into a demanding international schedule.
Bowling Fitness Remains Key
The biggest question around Pandya is his ability to bowl regularly.
Earlier, Gambhir said Pandya cannot currently bowl 10 overs. India do not want to rush him back while he is still short of the workload expected from an ODI all-rounder.
“He needs game time as well,” Gambhir said. “Because after the IPL, he hasn’t played a lot of cricket.”
For India, Pandya’s value comes from both parts of his game. If he is picked as an all-rounder, the team needs confidence that he can contribute with the ball as well as the bat.
India A Series Could Shape Return
Pandya has been named in the India A squad for the One-Day series against Australia A in Puducherry, scheduled from October 6 to 11.
The series could give him a useful chance to prove his match fitness and build up his bowling workload. It will also allow the team management to assess his rhythm before considering him for India’s T20 and one-day squads.
Gambhir had earlier explained that the message to Pandya was clear: play the India A series, get enough cricket under his belt and return only if everything goes well.
Nitish Reddy Adds Selection Pressure
India also have another seam-bowling all-rounder in Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Gambhir has backed Reddy and suggested that both players could eventually play together when Pandya is fully fit. That gives India another option while Pandya works his way back.
For now, however, Reddy’s presence means India do not have to hurry Pandya. The team can wait until he is ready to handle the full demands of international cricket.
No Shortcuts Before the World Cup
Gambhir’s comments show that India are taking a long-term view of Pandya’s return.
The focus is not just on getting him back into the squad. It is on making sure he has enough cricket, a reliable bowling workload and the right rhythm before the World Cup.
“There are no ifs and buts” when going into the World Cup, Gambhir said.
That leaves Pandya with a clear path. He must use the India A series to show that his body is ready and that he can once again perform as a genuine all-rounder.
FAQs
Why is Hardik Pandya not back in India’s ODI team?
Pandya has not played enough cricket since the IPL and cannot currently bowl 10 overs, according to Gautam Gambhir.
What did Gambhir mean by “half-cooked”?
He meant Pandya should not return to the World Cup or international cricket without enough match practice, fitness and bowling rhythm.
When can Pandya return to India’s white-ball teams?
He could return after playing the India A series against Australia A, provided everything goes well.
Can Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy play together?
Gambhir has indicated that both seam-bowling all-rounders could play together when Pandya is fully fit.
