India’s celebrations from their ninth Asia Cup triumph have been slightly dampened by injury concerns surrounding star all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The 31-year-old sustained a left quadriceps injury during the tournament in the UAE, which forced him to miss the high-voltage final against Pakistan on September 28 in Dubai.
While India lifted the trophy with a five-wicket win, Pandya’s absence was felt in both the bowling and batting departments. With a crucial tour of Australia coming up next month, the Indian team management is keeping a close watch on his recovery.
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According to Dainik Jagran, doctors have advised Pandya four weeks of rest, effectively ruling him out of the three-match ODI series that begins on October 19. However, there is cautious optimism that he could return in time for the five-match T20I leg, starting October 29.
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Hardik Pandya to miss out on the ODI series against Australia. The all rounder is expected to be back for the T20Is. pic.twitter.com/qLN8EYzMtI
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) September 30, 2025
Pandya’s injury comes as a setback after he played a pivotal role in India’s unbeaten Asia Cup campaign. Alongside Jasprit Bumrah, he opened the bowling and chipped in with vital middle-order runs, proving his value as a genuine match-winner. Tilak Varma’s composure under pressure offset his absence in the final, as the youngster anchored India’s chase of 147 with an unbeaten 69 that sealed the title.
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The Australia series, running until November 8, promises to be significant not only for India’s preparations ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup but also for two modern-day greats. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are likely to return for the ODI leg after a long layoff since IPL 2025. Speculation is rife that this could be their final overseas series in blue, adding an emotional edge to the contest.
For Pandya, the immediate focus remains rehabilitation. His timely return could be decisive as India look to balance experience with youthful exuberance on a testing Australian tour.
