Hardik Pandya undergoing rehab in Mumbai, to miss Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021

India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to miss Vijay Hazare Trophy (National One Dayers) which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, December 8. He is reported to be undergoing an extensive rehabilitation program to regain his fitness.

Though Pandya is doing his rehab in Mumbai, he will have to go to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to get the final nod to be considered for national selection. Previously, the Indian players use to acquire fitness certificates from NCA, but that changed since the Director of Cricket Rahul Dravid took charge and decided that the players will have to prove their fitness in front of the coaches at NCA.

“The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) had sent an e-mail to Hardik enquiring about his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has rarely played for Baroda in the last three years. However, he gave a one-line reply that he is currently doing rehab in Mumbai,” a senior official privy to developments in BCA said as quoted by Indian Express.

It is understood that Pandya is trying to do some strength and conditioning modules for his back: BCA official

When asked in detail about Pandya’s injury, the official said, “Even the BCA doesn’t know. It is understood that he is trying to do some strength and conditioning module for his back which is no longer in best of shape post-surgery in 2019.”

It is also been reported that if the all-rounder doesn’t play the domestic tournaments he will not be considered for selection in the Indian side for the white ball games.

“The current national selection committee has told all the players that all those who are not in the India squad should go back and play domestic cricket — Hazare and Ranji Trophy,” the source added.

Ahead of the second half of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shreyas Iyer too had to be in the NCA to receive a green signal to play in the league. India is now all set to lock horns with South Africa for three Test matches, as many ODIs and four T20Is. Venkatesh Iyer who has recently grabbed attention with his impressive performances is considered as Pandya’s long-term replacement. He thus might get a go-ahead of Pandya for this series.