India's prime white-ball all rounder Hardik Pandya hobbled off the field after his solitary over against Sri Lanka in the dramatic tie in the Super Four clash in Dubai and did not return to the ground for the rest of the innings.
While the bowling coach Morne Morkel downplayed Pandya's hamstring concern in the lead-up to the clash against Pakistan, the 31-year-old did not play the final of the competition.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
As India now returns to ODI cricket for the first time since the ICC Champions Trophy triumph with the Australia tour scheduled, TSN explores the possibilities of Pandya making it to the squad.
Will the injured Hardik Pandya play the Australia series?
With the squad announcement for the Australia ODIs around the corner, as per the latest update via Dainik Jagran, the all-rounder is currently in race against time to return to full fitness for the tour.
If he recovers in time, he could return for the T20Is starting from October 29, mid-way through the tour.
Among the options to replace Pandya in the ODIs could be the in-form Shivam Dube, who made crucial contributions against Pakistan alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, who could be groomed for the future.
Additionally, fans will finally get a glimpse of the star-duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are all set to return to international cricket for the first time since March, barring any surprises.
India's schedule for the white-ball tour of Australia:
India will play three ODIs against Australia from October 19 to 25, followed by five-match T20I series in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | October 19 | Perth |
| 2nd ODI | October 23 | Adelaide |
| 3rd ODI | October 25 | Sydney |
| 1st T20I | October 29 | Canberra |
| 2nd T20I | October 31 | Melbourne |
| 3rd T20I | November 2 | Hobart |
| 4th T20I | November 6 | Gold Coast |
| 5th T20I | November 8 | Brisbane |