India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is unlikely to be back in the competitive cricket scene before the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL), as he is set to return to action in the coming January after recovering from an inner-side calf strain.

The all-rounder is set to make a return in the Franchise league as he has ruled out all his other options for the time being.

As per a report by Dainik Jagran, Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala had gone through Hardik's medical report as of October 14. The all-rounder is getting rehabilitated at the BCCI's Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. As per his medical report, he is expected to start jogging in around three weeks' time, after which the intensity of his running will be increased week by week.

Hardik Pandya set to miss New Zealand tour and domestic tournaments

Hardik Pandya's return time frame will depend on his response to the rehabilitation process and the increased workload. The report indicates that his return to competitive cricket would be in the following year's IPL as his recovery program will extend until January 7th.

This injury comes at a challenging time for the India all-rounder, who has not been called up for the team's upcoming tour of New Zealand. Furthermore, he is set to miss the limited-overs matches against Sri Lanka beginning on December 13th and the One Day International (ODI) series against Zimbabwe, starting on January 3rd.

He will also be unavailable for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare tournament, both of which are crucial white-ball competitions for Indian domestic cricket. With the Test series against Australia beginning on January 21st, Pandya's early return to cricket might only be feasible through the IPL.

India's management will hope to see him back on the park fit and healthy for the 2027 IPL. A fit Pandya will be a significant loss to the opposition as he is a key player in India's white-ball plans.

Rishabh Pant and Prasidh Krishna continue their rehabilitation

Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is still recovering from a side strain, which he picked up while playing in the Irani Trophy. He has been granted two weeks' rest from cricket and has since returned to the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru for further treatment. His recovery is progressing well, and it is anticipated that he will be able to resume limited skill-based training the following week. Gradually, the intensity of the training will be increased depending on his response to the rehabilitation process.

Although he has been named in the squad for the Test match series against New Zealand, his participation in the matches will be determined by his condition, which will be closely monitored by the medical staff.

On the other hand, fast bowler Prasidh Krishna is set to continue his rehabilitation after sustaining a hamstring injury during the ODI series against the West Indies. He is expected to participate in match simulation on October 22nd and 23rd, after which his recovery will be evaluated to determine his availability for all forms of the game.

Prasidh has been included in the ODI and Test squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. His involvement in the matches will depend on the results of his assessment and ability to cope with the physical demands of the game.