Hardik ruled out of New Zealand A one-dayers

After Hardik Pandya's recent visit to the National Cricket Academy, the BCCI medical team feels the all-rounder still needs a week or so to be match-fit and advised against him travelling to New Zealand.

If Hardik Pandya proves his fitness in the Ranji game against Mumbai, there is a remote possibility of him likely to be considered for the last two Tests in Australia.

Hardik Pandya's return to competitive cricket will be delayed since he has been ruled out of the limited overs' leg of India A's ongoing tour to New Zealand.

The all-rounder is now expected to prove his fitness during Baroda's Ranji Trophy match in Mumbai from December 14.

Pandya has been sidelined ever since breaking down with a back injury during India's Asia Cup opener in Dubai in September. While announcing the squads for India's tour to Australia and India A's tour to New Zealand last month, chief selector MSK Prasad had stated Pandya's inclusion for the three one-dayers in New Zealand — on December 7, 9 and 11 — was subject to fitness.

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Sportstar understands that after his recent visit to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, the BCCI medical team feels Pandya still needs a week or so to be match-fit and advised against him travelling to New Zealand. As a result, the selection committee will soon pick a replacement for Pandya, possibly from the pool of players who are featuring in the four-day series in New Zealand.

Should Pandya prove his fitness in the Ranji game against domestic giant Mumbai, there is a remote possibility of Pandya, who has been a vital cog in terms of team balance across formats over the last year, likely to be considered for the last two Tests in Australia.

However, considering the World Cup less than six months away, the selectors are unlikely to rush him into international cricket.