As India prepare to shift focus from the ongoing Test series against South Africa to the three-match ODI leg beginning November 30, two big names will be missing from the squad — Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. Both absences have different reasons, but the decision reflects India’s long-term planning ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Hardik Pandya ruled out due to injury recovery
Hardik Pandya is still undergoing rehabilitation for the left quadriceps injury he sustained during the Asia Cup group match against Sri Lanka. He felt discomfort midway through his spell and subsequently missed the remainder of the tournament, including the final.
The injury also kept him out of the Australia white-ball series. According to BCCI medical staff, Hardik is “recovering well,” but a 50-over workload has been deemed “risky” at this stage.
He is currently following structured Return-to-Play protocols at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Hardik is expected to make his return for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, after which selectors will assess his readiness. However, ODI cricket remains off the table until he is fully match-fit.
Jasprit Bumrah rested for workload management
Unlike Hardik, Jasprit Bumrah is not injured. His exclusion from the ODI squad is a deliberate workload-management strategy.
Bumrah has bowled consistently across formats for several months and is central to India’s T20 World Cup plans. The team management does not want him to take on extended 10-over spells in a bilateral ODI series when a major ICC tournament is approaching.
He will continue featuring in Test matches and select T20Is as part of controlled workload planning.
Why India is being cautious
Hardik and Bumrah remain two of the most important players for India’s T20 setup. The management views both as critical assets and wants to avoid any injury risks before an important tournament cycle.
IND vs SA ODI schedule
1st ODI: November 30 — Ranchi
2nd ODI: December 3 — Raipur
3rd ODI: December 6 — Visakhapatnam
