Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of India, provided an explanation for the circumspect approach to Pandya’s return. A structured pathway for the all-rounder’s return to the national team was delineated by the coach. Gautam Gambhir has explicitly stated that Pandya must demonstrate his fitness through competitive cricket prior to rejoining the national team. The India A series against Australia A will be a critical stepping stone in his rehabilitation and assessment.

On September 17, 2026, India concluded a 3-0 T20I series victory over Afghanistan, as the team continued to prepare for forthcoming international assignments. In the midst of ongoing squad management decisions that have impacted numerous players, including all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been sidelined for injury rehabilitation, the series victory was achieved.

Pandya has not participated in competitive cricket since the 2026 IPL season, when he sustained a back injury while serving as the captain of Mumbai Indians. Subsequently, he was unable to participate in white-ball matches against Afghanistan, Ireland, England, and Zimbabwe due to a quadriceps injury and a leg strain. Pandya has been selected for the India A squad for a 50-over series against Australia A, provided that he receives fitness clearance from the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Reddy concluded the Afghanistan T20I series as the most prolific wicket-taker on both sides, with an average of 13.16 and an economy rate of 8.77, netting six wickets. Afghanistan were bundled out for 94 in the final T20I, with Reddy claiming 3 for 25.

Gautam Gambhir believes that it is unjust for the leadership to not be awarded the most talented team.

On September 16, 2026, the coaching staff determined the rosters for three India teams, two India A teams, and a Rest of India team for the upcoming month and a half of cricket. Gautam Gambhir remained with the ODI team for the West Indies series from September 27 to October 3, and subsequently played five T20Is from October 6. VVS Laxman was designated as the head coach of India for the Asian Games.

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