Reports: Hardik Pandya facing months on sidelines, may not return until IPL 2027

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is unlikely to return to competitive cricket before the IPL 2027 season, according to reports. Pandya is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for an inner shin stress injury. Medical staff have refrained from setting a hard deadline, prioritizing a complete and durable recovery over a rushed return to action.

Pandya is reportedly weeks away from light jogging, which will be followed by a gradual eight-week running program. The extended layoff will rule him out of India's tour of New Zealand, white-ball series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, and domestic tournaments including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.