India will take on Australia in the upcoming five-match T20I series after the ICC World Cup 2023. Hardik Pandya, who is Team India’s captain in the shortest format, will not play due his ankle injury.
The all-rounder was injured during a match against Bangladesh in Pune and was ruled out of the remaining contests.
According to sources in the BCCI, Hardik is likely to return for the matches against South Africa.
“There is sometime left before Hardik attain full fitness. He doesn’t have a chance to play against Australia. It would be more practical if he returns for the South Africa series,” a senior BCCI source privy to the developments told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Suryakumar Yadav or Ruturaj Gaikwad are the front-runners to replace Hardik.