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India’s premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya has set his sights on a return to the ODI setup as he looks to secure a place in the squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, according to a report by the Times of India.
Pandya, who has not featured in an ODI since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, is understood to have communicated his intentions to the selectors and team management.
The 32-year-old has reportedly been working over the past few months to rebuild his bowling fitness, which remains the key factor in his comeback bid.
During the Champions Trophy campaign, Pandya’s bowling workload was carefully managed as he delivered just 24.3 overs across five matches and did not complete his full quota in any game.
Concerns over his ability to consistently bowl 10 overs have since influenced selection decisions.
Earlier this year, Pandya was omitted from India’s ODI squad for the home series against New Zealand, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirming that he had not yet been cleared by the Centre of Excellence to handle a full bowling workload.
However, with the World Cup 2027 set to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, where conditions traditionally favour seam bowling, the team management sees Hardik Pandya as a potentially crucial asset if he can meet fitness expectations.
“He can lend the perfect balance, but he has to convince the selectors and the team management that he will be available to bowl 10 overs,” a BCCI source told TOI.
“He may not be required to do so in every match. The captain may end up bowling him for 6-7 overs in most matches. But he should be available if the captain needs more from him.”
Notably, Hardik Pandya has reportedly intensified his preparations, focusing on increasing his bowling workload and refining his skillset. He has also worked on adding variations, including developing an inswinger, while maintaining his pace.
“Hardik has been increasing his workload. He has worked on his action to bowl in-swingers as well without compromising on pace,” the source further added.
“He feels his body is ready to cope with the rigours of bowling 10 overs in ODIs. He understands his body well enough and is working towards staying fit to bowl 10 overs.”
Since making his ODI debut in 2016, Pandya has played 94 matches, scoring 1904 runs and picking up 91 wickets, underlining his value as a genuine all-rounder when fully fit.
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