Pandya’s ODI return hinges on ability to bowl 10 overs
India coach Gautam Gambhir says Hardik Pandya is not yet able to meet the bowling benchmark for an ODI return, as former BCCI administrator Makarand Waingankar questions his availability.
Hardik Pandya’s omission from India’s West Indies squad has prompted former BCCI administrator Makarand Waingankar to question the difference between his availability for the IPL and for the national side. Waingankar’s criticism is an opinion, not a medical assessment of Pandya’s fitness.
India coach Gautam Gambhir has said Pandya cannot yet bowl 10 overs, a benchmark for consideration in ODI cricket. Pandya is managing a quadriceps injury and recurring back spasms, according to Yahoo Sports.
The report says Pandya missed four Mumbai Indians matches during IPL 2026 because of back spasms. His quadriceps injury arose after the tournament, with the back issue also recurring.
The available account gives no independent medical details or clear recovery timeline. Gambhir’s 10-over benchmark remains the stated condition for an ODI return.
