India head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed Hardik Pandya to return to the national white-ball squads but stressed that the all-rounder needs competitive match practice before being pushed back into international cricket.
Gambhir said Hardik has not played enough cricket since the Indian Premier League and is not yet ready to bowl his full quota of 10 overs in a one-day match. The team management wants him to rebuild his workload gradually through India A cricket rather than risk another physical setback by rushing his comeback. The coach discussed Hardik’s return after India completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep over Afghanistan with a dominant 127-run victory in New Delhi. While the immediate series ended successfully, Gambhir’s comments highlighted India’s longer-term preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Hardik has been included in the India A squad for the three-match one-day series against Australia A in Puducherry from October 6 to 11, subject to fitness clearance. He was not selected for India’s ODI series against the West Indies as the management continues to monitor his workload and readiness for 50-over cricket. Gambhir said the India A matches would provide Hardik with the game time required to test his bowling fitness and regain competitive rhythm. If the all-rounder completes the series without any physical problems, he could return to both India’s T20I and ODI squads.
Hardik has not represented India since the 2026 T20 World Cup and has endured an injury-disrupted year. He has also not played 50-over international cricket since the 2025 Champions Trophy, making his transition back to the ODI format a key part of India’s World Cup preparations. Gambhir made it clear that international cricket can be physically demanding and that Hardik must first prove he can manage a sustained bowling workload. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball remains important to India’s team balance.
Gambhir also identified Nitish Kumar Reddy as an important player in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Seam-bowling all-rounders could play a decisive role in the conditions expected across the three host countries. Nitish was withdrawn from India’s Asian Games squad, allowing him to feature in the ODI series against the West Indies. Gambhir believes the opportunity will give the young player valuable match exposure and help him improve as a bowler.
The coach suggested that Hardik and Nitish could eventually play together in India’s starting XI. Having two seam-bowling all-rounders would provide the side with greater batting depth, additional bowling options and more flexibility while selecting its combination. Hardik remains one of India’s most experienced white-ball all-rounders, while Nitish is being developed as a long-term option. Their fitness and performances over the coming months could significantly influence the composition of India’s ODI squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
