Hardik Pandya’s return to action could be further delayed after another injury setback. According to reports in the Times of India, Pandya has suffered a leg niggle, which has put his selection for Afghanistan T20I in jeopardy.

The star all-rounder hasn’t played any professional cricket since the end of the IPL 2026. Pandya scored 206 runs in 10 matches at an average of 22.89 and a strike rate of 138.25. 

Furthermore, he could only pick four wickets in 10 games at a high economy rate of 11.42. Thus, he could not deliver consistently for the franchise and failed to lead from the front.

The all-rounder was recovering from a quadriceps injury at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence but a fresh injury has put his selection in doubt.

A source told TOI, “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 reach the required fitness levels. Batting and movement-wise, there wasn’t any significant issue, but the CoE needs to be completely convinced before giving an all-clear.”

Pandya’s last match in Indian colors came in the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand. The all-rounder has been a consistent performer for India in the white-ball formats but his injury woes have been a perennial issue.

Meanwhile, Indian players like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana are currently recovering from their respective injuries.

India will face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series in Delhi, starting September 13.