Hardik Pandya's injury comeback is facing yet another setback as the India all-rounder's participation in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan remains in doubt. The 32-year-old was on course to make a return to competitive cricket, but a fresh leg niggle has reportedly derailed his recovery process.

Hardik Pandya is currently undergoing rehab at the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. But his discomfort in the leg has reportedly forced him to temporarily halt the bowling sessions. His recovery has been put on hold by a fresh leg injury, reported the Times of India.

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to meet this week to finalize India's squad for the Afghanistan series.

Hardik Pandya's Afghanistan Return in Doubt

According to a report in Times of India, Hardik Pandya had been training at full intensity prior to the latest issue.

“Hardik Pandya was operating at full intensity without any discomfort but he has been advised to pause bowling due to discomfort in the leg. He will resume soon, but the Afghanistan series is too close to get to the required fitness levels,” a source tracking developments was quoted as saying.

The source further stated there were no major concerns about Hardik's batting or movement, but the CoE wants to be fully satisfied with his fitness before clearing him to return.

Hardik is one of the few prominent India players to currently be recovering from injuries. Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Sai Sudharsan are also sidelined as they recover back to full fitness.

The latest setback is one to come at a crucial period for Hardik, who has yet to feature in a competitive match since the conclusion of IPL 2026, while his last appearance for the national team came in India's T20 World Cup 2026 final win over New Zealand.

With Hardik set to turn 33 next month, the BCCI is understood to be wary of rushing his rehabilitation rather than letting him return on his own terms.

His long-term fitness will also be closely monitored with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching. Hardik is an important part of India's plans for the tournament, as he offers a unique combination of explosive batting and genuine pace-bowling that provides crucial balance to the squad.

For now, however, his focus would appear to be on overcoming the new setback and convincing the medical and fitness staff that he is ready to return.