Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand after failing to prove that he is match-fit after undergoing back surgery. The 26-year old from Baroda had undergone a surgery in London in October 2019 to treat a nagging back issue and was expected to be fit for the tour to New Zealand. However, the inability to prove his fitness in time has put a question mark over his possible date of the comeback. He is expected to recover at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.
Pandya recently was withdrawn from the India A team for the series against New Zealand A as well after failing to pass a fitness test. All-rounder Vijay Shankar had been included in his place.
In December, the seaming all-rounder had revealed that it had become necessary for him to opt for surgery in October keeping in mind India’s hectic schedule in 2020, which began with the series against the Kiwis and will end with the T20 World Cup later this year. The Indians will also tour Australia for a Test series at the end of the year.
“We decided to do the surgery now because we saw the future and thought this is the right time. We thought this was the right time because even if I take four months, I will be coming back before the New Zealand series, mid-way actually,” Hardik told IANS in December.
“That was the plan that I play some international games, the IPL and then the World T20. The biggest concern was the World T20 which touch wood is now in place. I could have done the surgery a month later, but it would not have helped me in any way,” he said. “I was feeling the difference in my back and wasn’t able to take it.”
Pandya’s issues with the backache started almost five years ago but grew serious after he had to be stretchered off in an encounter against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2018. He finally opted for surgery after consulting Team India physio, Yogesh Parmar.
Team India will also miss Ishant Sharma for the Test series that is a part of the World Test Championships after the seamer suffered an ankle injury during a Ranji Trophy game for Delhi against Vidarbha.