Here's Why Hardik Pandya Won't Play IND vs AUS T20 Series

In a major setback for the Indian cricket team, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of IND vs AUS T20 series, ESPNCricinfo reported.

Hardik Pandya was ruled out of the ODI World Cup as he failed to recover from the injury, he sustained during India's Cricket World Cup league match against Bangladesh on October 19.

The BCCI medical team recommended a rest period of 6-8 weeks for Hardik Pandya and hence the star all-rounder won't participate in IND vs AUS T20 series.

A second-string Indian team will take on Australia in IND vs AUS T20 series as big names like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma will be rested after ODI World Cup 2023.

In Hardik Pandya's absence, Ruturaj Gaikwad, under whose captaincy India won the historic gold medal in Asian Games 2023, is the leading candidate to captain India vs Australia in the IND vs AUS five-match T20 series.

Hardik Pandya is expected to make a comeback with India vs South Africa white-ball series, starting in December 2023.