India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is reportedly closing in on a return to international cricket after a five-month absence. The star all-rounder is nearing full fitness and is expected to be available for India’s upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan next month, according to a report by The Times of India.
Pandya has been training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), where he has reportedly been operating at full capacity as he continues his preparations for a return to the national side. Nitish Kumar Reddy is also believed to have regained full fitness and is available for selection, while Washington Sundar is working towards completing the necessary clearances.
Sundar spent the weekend in Chennai and is expected to return to the BCCI CoE this week to undergo further fitness assessments. The senior men’s selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, could meet this week to finalise India’s squad for the three T20Is against Afghanistan.
ALSO READ: India Emerges As Favourite To Host Inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027
A source told The Times of India that the Afghanistan series is being viewed as a practical target for Sundar’s comeback, particularly because the shorter format could allow him to gradually rebuild his workload. “His workload has gradually increased in the last few weeks and he could be available for selection for the three T20Is,” the source said.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨
🚨 HARDIK PANDYA FUTURE DECIDED AFTER LENGTHY 1 HOUR MEETING WITH MUMBAI INDIANS 🚨
• Hardik Pandya’s future with Mumbai Indians was reportedly discussed in a crucial meeting.
• Mumbai Indians are reportedly open to moving on from Hardik Pandya ahead of… https://t.co/ZHZPpfUqj4 pic.twitter.com/wij9dTYzJZ
— Muffatball vikrant (@Vikrant_1589) August 31, 2026
Pandya and Reddy have spent considerable time at the CoE during their respective rehabilitation programmes. Reddy reportedly returns home only on weekends, while Pandya has shifted his base to Bengaluru as he continues his preparations.
However, India’s biggest fitness concern remains Jasprit Bumrah. The premier fast bowler missed the recent two-Test series against Sri Lanka as the team management continues to carefully manage his workload with the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand in mind.
WATCH – Babar Azam Denies Knowledge Of PCB Boycott Threat Over Imran Khan Interview
Bumrah has also been training at the CoE. While his participation in the Afghanistan T20Is remains uncertain, he is expected to be available for the Asian Games, provided there are no setbacks in his rehabilitation. His fitness will remain a key factor in India’s plans for the busy international calendar ahead.
