Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan highlighted Hardik Pandya’s fitness issues are a major concern for the team. The all-rounder was picked for the India A squad for the One-Day series against Australia A, but his selection was subject to fitness clearance.

However, Pandya was ruled out of the series with a fresh injury, suffering a tibial bone stress. This new injury has also put Pandya’s selection in doubt for the New Zealand tour.

Furthermore, Pandya played only 10 out of the 14 matches for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026 due to injury woes. Since the conclusion of the IPL, Pandya has not played any professional cricket.

“It is unfortunate for any player that Hardik is getting injured without playing. You play, get injured, and then get injured again during rehab. He is ruled out of the India A series as well and this will not give the management and selectors confidence. It is one thing to get injured if you keep playing and your workload increases,” Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports.

Pathan said the team management should look to develop two all-rounders in Hardik Pandya’s absence. Nitish Kumar Reddy was given his chance in the first ODI against the West Indies.

“Whenever the chance is there, it is important for the management to develop two all-rounders. That is why you will see that Nitish will be backed. His responsibility is now to perform and stay fit. We have seen his graph going upwards. His pace has gone up and he has worked on his bowling. His work ethic is great and I have followed him. He has worked hard in the COE and is working on many things. From the management’s perspective, keeping an eye on two fast-bowling all-rounders and getting them ready, especially if your main bowler is an all-rounder and is constantly getting injured, it is important for someone like Reddy to play regularly,” he explained. (via aforementioned source)

Reddy returned with figures of 1-45 in five overs he bowled against the Windies in the series opener.