#IndiaInAustralia: Injured Pandya eyeing a return in ODIs against Australia
Hardik Pandya played almost every match when India toured UK, earlier this year. He was dropped for the final Test against England, before returning for the Asia Cup opener. Pandya suffered an injury in that match and since then, has been out of action. Reports state that he is on his way to recovery and looking to make a comeback in ODIs against Australia.
Pandya could return after a four-month period in Jan 2019
Pandya missed the remainder of the Asia Cup and then sat out of the Test and ODI, T20I series against West Indies. The player was not named in the T20I and Test squads for the series against Australia. India start their ODI campaign against Australia on January 12, 2019. If Pandya makes a return in ODIs, it would be after a 4-month lay-off.
How did Pandya sustain injury back in September?
Pandya was into his fifth over in the match against Pakistan, when after completing the follow through, he immediately felt his lower back and fell on the ground. He laid on the pitch under considerable pain as players rushed to check the situation. The medical team came in and took him off the field after he was unable to get back on his feet.
Pandya recovering from a lower back injury
The 25-year-old Indian cricketer is currently undergoing a rehabilitation process. He is recovering from a lower back injury. Recently, Pandya had uploaded a video on Twitter, where he was seen bowling in the nets after a 2-month period.
'I'm trying hard to be fit for the ODI series'
According to reports, Pandya confirmed that he is eyeing a return in January. "I'm trying hard to be fit for the ODI series against Australia. To get back to full fitness, I'm going through rigorous bowling sessions in Mumbai. I have just started bowling. Once I bowl a few overs in the ODIs, I think I should be on the right track," he said.
Pandya adds balance in the ODI line-up
It remains to be seen if Pandya makes a direct entry into the starting line-up in the ODIs against Australia. He could add balance in the side alongside spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The 25-year-old also adds depth as the third pacer.
