Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to be rested for the home ODI series against New Zealand. The all-rounder has hence turned to Baroda for his 50-over comeback for the final three matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
India are gearing up for the ICC T20 World Cup, and hence they have considered resting some of their players from the ODIs to ensure their focus in the T20Is. One of the names is of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who returned to competitive cricket against South Africa in the T20I series.
Pandya had missed the Asia Cup 2025 final due to a quadriceps injury, and the injury escalated, which caused him to miss the white-ball tour to Australia. After his recovery, Pandya featured in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Baroda and picked up some form before making his international comeback.
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Hardik Pandya’s Vijay Hazare Trophy return confirmed
Veteran Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has almost been confirmed to be rested for the ODIs against New Zealand; hence, the premier all-rounder has confirmed his participation in two of the last three league stage matches for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
“Yes, it’s confirmed that Hardik will turn out for Baroda in their Vijay Hazare games on January 3 and 8, which are against Vidarbha and Chandigarh,” a source familiar with the matter told IANS on Tuesday.
However, the premier all-rounder would manage his workload wisely, as he has not considered playing all games, as he needs to be cautious of his injuries, with the T20 World Cup around the corner.
“He’s not there for the clash against Jammu & Kashmir on January 6, as he needs ample break to manage his load in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup,” the source added.
Hardik Pandya advised to rest from the New Zealand ODI series by the BCCI selectors
Hardik last featured for India in an ODI game back in March 2025, which was in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. He has not played a single ODI since then, and India has managed decently without him.
Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, he, alongside Jasprit Bumrah, has been asked to rest for the ODIs against New Zealand, since both these players are indispensable to India’s T20 World Cup title defence. Bumrah has also been exempted from featuring in the VHT.
“Hardik was wishing to turn out in ODIs against New Zealand, but the team think-tank advised him to rest from the series, as they want him in fine fettle for the subsequent T20I series and the all-important T20 World Cup,” revealed the same source to IANS.
Will Nitish Kumar Reddy be picked as the all-rounder in the New Zealand ODIs?
In Hardik Pandya’s absence during the Australia tour, Nitish Kumar Reddy was picked as the replacement for the veteran all-rounder. He even featured in the first two games for India. However, later, he was snubbed owing to injuries.
The Andhra skipper is currently playing a handsome hand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Though not massively with the bat, Reddy has been effective with the ball. The all-rounder is once again in line for a team India recall as Hardik Pandya’s replacement.
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