Hardik Pandya To Return In IPL 2024; BCCI Source Drops 'Heartbreaking' Update

Hardik Pandya (X.com)

In a massive setback, India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya won’t be able to return to cricket until at least next January. A BCCI source confirmed the news to the Times of India (TOI), and therefore, the 30-year-old is all set to make his comeback in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Earlier, there were numerous reports that Hardik may be available to be back against Afghanistan when they play a three-match T20I series at home in mid-January. However, it won’t be happening as per the latest developments.

India have a five-match Test series at home against England starting on January 25, which will run until March 7. Since being injury-prone, Hardik is no longer part of India’s red-ball setup. Hence, even if he gets fit by February, he has little chance of being back in action in professional cricket in that series.

---

ALSO READ

Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium Pitch Report For IND vs AUS 1st T20I

---

Hardik tore a ligament in his ankle during India’s World Cup 2023 clash against Bangladesh last month. Since then, he has been missing the action, as the Men in Blue lacked a genuine sixth-bowling option throughout the competition.

---

ALSO READ

[Watch] Hardik Pandya Wishes Team India Ahead Of World Cup Final Vs Australia

---

More significantly, Hardik has been captaining the Men in Blue in T20Is since 2022 and was thought to be leading the side in the forthcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. Now that the prolific all-rounder has suffered yet another injury setback, things are looking bleak, with his availability and workload management becoming the talk of the town.