Shubman Gill on Hardik Pandya's comeback and ODI squad rotation

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Speaking to reporters on the eve of the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland on Tuesday, India captain Shubman Gill hailed Hardik Pandya as an irreplaceable asset, emphasising his rare ability to deliver impact with both bat and ball across all phases of the game.

Expressing disappointment over Pandya’s long absence since IPL 2026, Gill revealed that management remains in constant touch with the all-rounder, hoping he recovers swiftly through domestic cricket to make a national comeback. 

Pandya’s return recently hit a roadblock after a shin injury ruled him out of the three-match ODI series against Australia A in Puducherry, where he was advised 15 days of rest. Evaluating Hardik Pandya‘s contribution to the team, Gill said,

“Hardik is a great player, and the qualities he brings to the team are rare. Not many players in world cricket possess the ability to be a genuine fast-bowling all-rounder who can bowl in every phase of the game, whether with the new ball, during the middle overs or at the death. On top of that, the kind of batting he brings to the team makes him extremely valuable,” Gill said.

“It’s unfortunate that he hasn’t been able to play since the IPL 2026. We’ve had multiple conversations with him, and he was supposed to feature in the India matches, but unfortunately, he picked up a few niggles just before that. Hopefully, he gets fit soon, plays some domestic cricket and makes his return to the Indian team in the near future,” he added.

Hardik’s comeback will ‘sort’ India’s batting line-up, says Gill

Hardik Pandya’s prolonged injury-forced absence has affected the balance of India’s ODI side, and skipper Shubman Gill believes his lower middle-order will be “sorted” once the all-rounder returns to international cricket.

Gill said Pandya’s skills are unmatched as he is a seam-bowling all-rounder who can operate and be effective during any phase of the game.

“If Hardik Pandya comes into the team, then our number seven and number eight positions will also be sorted. We will look like a much more balanced team in terms of batting,” he concluded.

(With inputs from agencies)

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