The three-match ODI series between India and South Africa is going to start from November 30, but before that the Indian think tank can take a big decision regarding the availability of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah in the team.
According to a report, ICC T20 World Cup is to be held next year, keeping this in mind the Indian team does not want to take any risk regarding Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. In such a situation, Hardik Pandya, who is recovering from injury, and Jasprit Bumrah, under workload management, may have to sit out of the ODI series against South Africa.
Why they can miss India vs South Africa ODI series?
30-year-old Hardik Pandya suffered the injury during the Asia Cup T20 in Dubai in September. He subsequently missed the final against Pakistan. His rehabilitation has been carefully managed to ensure a safe return to the cricket field.
The report, citing BCCI sources, stated that Hardik Pandya is recovering from a quadriceps injury. He is completing his RTP (Return to Play) routine at the Centre of Excellence. He will need to increase his workload after recovering from his quadriceps injury. Playing him directly in the 50-over format would be risky.
The BCCI medical team and Hardik Pandya will focus solely on T20 International cricket until the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, Hardik Pandya will play for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before the T20 series against South Africa and New Zealand to prove his fitness.
In order to manage the workload of key fast bowlers, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah may be rested from the ODI series against South Africa. The reason is that the ODI series against South Africa is not particularly important in preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup 2026.
