'Hardik Pandya is getting injured without playing' - Irfan Pathan highlights major concern over star all-rounder amid IND vs WI 2026 ODIs

Hardik Pandya remains sidelined from India's ongoing West Indies series due to injury concerns that have persisted since May. The all-rounder is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence after suffering a fresh shin injury during his recovery period. His absence from the three-ODI and five-T20I series marks another setback in what has been a challenging period for the player.

Irfan Pathan, the former India pacer, has expressed significant concern about Pandya's recurring injury pattern. Pathan highlighted the unusual nature of Pandya's situation, where injuries continue to emerge even during periods away from competitive cricket. The concern centres on how this pattern affects both the player's confidence and the team management's planning.

"It is unfortunate for any player that Hardik is getting injured without playing. You play, get injured, and then get injured again during rehab. He is ruled out of the India A series as well and this will not give the management and selectors confidence. It is one thing to get injured if you keep playing and your workload increases," Pathan told Star Sports.

Irfan Pathan's concern over Hardik Pandya's recurring injuries

Pandya's injury troubles began in May during the Indian Premier League season when he was not pain-free while bowling. He subsequently suffered back spasms during the IPL and a leg strain at the Centre of Excellence in the lead-up to the Afghanistan ODI series in June. The shin injury that has now ruled him out emerged during fitness assessments in September.

Irfan Pathan emphasised the importance of the management developing backup options in the all-rounder position. He pointed to Nitish Kumar Reddy as the player who would receive backing from the selectors to fill the void created by Pandya's absence. Pathan stressed that having two capable fast-bowling all-rounders ready is crucial for the team's balance.

"Whenever the chance is there, it is important for the management to develop two all-rounders. That is why you will see that Nitish will be backed. His responsibility is now to perform and stay fit. We have seen his graph going upwards," Pathan said.

"His pace has gone up and he has worked on his bowling. His work ethic is great and I have followed him. He has worked hard in the COE and is working on many things. From the management's perspective, keeping an eye on two fast-bowling all-rounders and getting them ready, especially if your main bowler is an all-rounder and is constantly getting injured, it is important for someone like Reddy to play regularly," he added.

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Nitish Kumar Reddy has returned from injury and performed well with the ball in the recent T20I series against Afghanistan. He featured in the first ODI against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, taking one wicket for 45 runs in five overs during the first innings. His inclusion in the playing XI underscored the team's reliance on him during Pandya's continued absence.