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Star India player suffers another injury setback; in doubt for NZ vs IND 2026 series: Reports
Hardik Pandya has suffered a fresh right-shin injury, ruling the 32-year-old out of India's upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand and forcing him into rehabilitation.
Recurring fitness issues have repeatedly hindered Pandya's comeback efforts over recent months, including setbacks during Afghanistan ODIs, England T20Is, and assignments with Australia A.
Medical officials advised two weeks of complete rest, keeping Pandya sidelined for at least three weeks total while he trains at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Selectors had picked Pandya for the One-Day series starting October 6, with his "Return To Play" date set for September 20; the New Zealand tour is now unreachable.
Pandya will now target the Zimbabwe ODIs for his return, potentially testing his fitness in the Vijay Hazare or Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after Asian Games travel plans were abandoned.