Leg injury threatens Hardik Pandya's return for Afghanistan T20 series

Hardik Pandya's attempt to re-enter international cricket has hit a setback after a leg discomfort emerged while he was training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Although he reported no pain while batting or moving, medical staff advised him to cease bowling, casting doubt on his readiness for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan starting September 13 in New Delhi. The selectors are slated to meet this week to finalize the squad and will receive an update on his fitness from the Bengaluru recovery centre.

Pandya's last competitive outing was for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL on May 24, and his final appearance for the Men in Blue came in the T20 World Cup final on March 8. He has missed subsequent white-ball assignments, including home games versus Afghanistan and tours of Ireland and England. Meanwhile, fellow all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are on track for the series, whereas fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah remains a question mark, though he is expected to be ready for the Asian Games.