India captain Shubman Gill has expressed hope that Hardik Pandya will return to competitive cricket soon, suggesting that the all-rounder should play domestic cricket as part of his comeback. Pandya has been sidelined with a shin injury and missed India's preparations for the New Zealand series after being ruled out of the India A squad's 50-over matches against Australia A.

Pandya was included in the India A squad last month as he looked to make his way back into the national side. However, the injury setback delayed his return once again. He has been based at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru since the IPL, where he has continued working on his recovery.

Hopefully he plays some domestic and gets back - Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill confirmed that he has spoken to Pandya on several occasions about his role in the Indian team. The captain acknowledged the value the all-rounder brings, particularly because of his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.

Shubman Gill also expressed disappointment that Hardik Pandya picked up an injury just before the India A assignment, which could have provided him with an opportunity to get some match practice.

"We have had multiple conversations, he is a quality player - not many in the world can do what he does. Hopefully he plays some domestic and gets back. Unfortunate he got a niggle before India A match," Gill said in the press conference ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand.

Whenever Hardik bhai comes back, no 7-8 will also be taken care of

Shubman Gill also spoke about how Pandya's return could address India's concerns in the lower-middle order. The Indian captain believes the all-rounder's presence would help settle the No. 7 and No. 8 positions, which are important for maintaining depth in the batting lineup.

India are working towards the next ODI World Cup, and Gill indicated that he is satisfied with the batting options currently available. However, Hardik Pandya's return would give the team another dependable option and allow the management greater flexibility while deciding the combination.

"Whenever Hardik bhai comes back, no 7-8 will also be taken care of. Happy with batting group leading up to the ODI World Cup," he said.

Pandya's recent absence has been extended by a series of fitness setbacks rather than one uninterrupted injury. He recovered from his first major setback in 2025 and returned to international cricket, but subsequent problems during IPL 2026 and his rehabilitation programme delayed his availability again.

The all-rounder's recent injury troubles began during the Asia Cup in September 2025. He experienced discomfort in his left thigh during India's Super Four match against Sri Lanka and left the field after bowling just one over. The issue was initially described as cramps, but further assessment identified a left quadriceps injury. He consequently missed the Asia Cup final against Pakistan and India's tour of Australia.

Pandya worked on his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru before returning through the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

His next major setback came during IPL 2026. Pandya missed Mumbai Indians' match against Lucknow Super Giants on May 4 because of back spasms and was also unavailable for the team's next two games. He returned against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 20 and played against Rajasthan Royals on May 24.

However, another injury emerged during his rehabilitation in June. Pandya suffered a quadriceps strain while working towards regaining full fitness at the Centre of Excellence. The setback ruled him out of India's ODI assignments against Afghanistan and England.

His recovery continued through the following months, but he faced another problem during a fitness assessment in September. Reports stated that he was unable to complete the required 10-over bowling workload for ODI cricket. He subsequently developed pain in his right lower leg, with scans revealing a symptomatic right tibial bone stress response.

Pandya was advised to take complete rest for two weeks and was ruled out of the India A series against Australia A. His absence from the New Zealand tour followed, extending his wait for a return to competitive cricket. Further reports in October raised concerns about his recovery as it was reported that he might directly make a comeback in IPL 2027.