Hardik facing tibial stress issue, New Zealand tour in doubt

Hardik Pandya is dealing with a symptomatic stress response in his right tibial bone, ruling him out of India A’s upcoming one‑day series against Australia A. Press reports that while there is no fracture or structural damage, the injury typically requires four to six weeks of recovery, leaving his availability for next month’s New Zealand tour uncertain.

Pandya had been a conditional selection for the October 6, 9 and 11 fixtures in Puducherry and has not played since the IPL, where he featured in 10 of 14 matches. His last international appearances came in March 2025 and March 2026. India’s New Zealand trip includes 10 white‑ball games from October 22 to November 15, and sources say Pandya is eager to return, though ODIs appear a long shot. He has been advised two weeks of rest by the Centre of Excellence’s medical staff as he works toward a comeback.