{
  "id": 4828614,
  "title": "Hardik Pandya's comeback plans hit a fresh roadblock",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/hardik-pandyas-comeback-plans-hit-a-fresh-roadblock-4828614",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-01T09:23:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/hardik-pandyas-comeback-plans-hit-092300922.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New Delhi: Hardik Pandya's comeback to international cricket is facing a fresh setback, as a recent leg injury has derailed his plans for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. According to sources, Pandya was performing well at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) before the injury occurred. Despite being in full intensity and without discomfort, the all-rounder has been advised to pause bowling due to leg discomfort. The selectors are expected to meet this week to select the squad for the T20Is starting September 13 in New Delhi, and they will receive updates on the fitness status of players recovering in Bengaluru. Pandya, 32, had not played a competitive fixture since May 24 when he played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. His last appearance for the national team was in the T20 World Cup final on March 8. Since then, he has missed the white-ball assignments against Afghanistan, as well as tours to Ireland and England. The latest injury has further delayed his return to international cricket. Earlier, Pandya had suffered a low-grade quadriceps sprain before the ODI series against Afghanistan, but was at peak fitness before the injury struck. Meanwhile, all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are progressing well for the Afghanistan series, while fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah remains uncertain for the three fixtures. Bumrah is on track for the Asian Games.",
  "summary": "Hardik Pandya’s return to international cricket is set to face another setback due to a leg niggle, casting doubts on his participation in the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan. He remains under observation by the medical team at BCCI CoE.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "Hardik Pandya's comeback plans hit a fresh roadblock",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/hardik-pandyas-comeback-plans-hit-a-fresh-roadblock",
        "published": "2026-09-01T03:53:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}