Hardik joins ‘Performance Block Program’, special training is going on in Bangalore, all-rounder is working on Mission World Cup

New Delhi. When India’s ODI team for the England tour was announced, the biggest name that was missing was Hardik Pandya. Despite slight concerns about fitness, Virat Kohli was included in the team. Even Jasprit Bumrah, who had not played ODI since November 2023, got a direct place in the team after the rest, but Hardik was left out completely, which was a bit surprising, but not completely unexpected. Actually, Hardik had recovered from the back problem suffered during IPL 2026. It was expected that he would make a comeback by the ODI series against England and play the role of a leading fast bowling all-rounder. But the selectors did not include him.

According to sources, instead of making a hasty comeback to international cricket, Hardik himself has decided to join the new ‘Performance Block Programme’ of BCCI’s Center of Excellence (CoE). This is a special initiative, in which centrally contracted players can work on fitness, workload management and specific skills related to cricket throughout the year. Hardik’s target is not the England series, but the 2027 ODI World Cup.

hardik pandya injury update

After recovering from a back problem during IPL 2026, Hardik suffered a leg injury while preparing for his comeback. Earlier, he had also missed the Australia tour in Asia Cup 2025 due to quadriceps injury. This period of continuous injuries has forced Hardik and the team management to adopt a long-term plan instead of shortcuts. According to reports, a big concern is whether Hardik will be able to meet the demands of consistent ODI cricket. In T20, he bowls short spells, but in the 50 over format, he will have to have the ability to bowl full 10 overs if needed.

What is the new performance block?

This new program has been specially designed for such players. Earlier CoE was mainly a rehab centre, but now players can come here anytime and work deeply on their technique and fitness. The most important change is that now a player will be allowed to return to the team not only if he is ‘match fit’ but also if he is capable of performing at the international level.

Eye on 2027 World Cup

There is no question on the importance of Hardik in India’s ODI team. He gives excellent balance to the team and contributes to both batting and bowling simultaneously. When fully fit, he is a reliable bowler of 10 overs, who makes the team’s combination easy. The conditions in South Africa are also favorable to his game, where his bowling can be more effective on bouncy pitches. For this reason, the selectors and Hardik himself do not want to take any risk. Hardik has also made it clear that he will play for India only when he is completely fit and at his best level. Keeping in mind the 2027 ODI World Cup to be held in about 16 months, Hardik is ready to skip a bilateral series for now, so that he can enter the big stage fully prepared.