Shubman Gill gives update on Hardik Pandya's fitness ahead of New Zealand ODIs

India captain Shubman Gill gave an update on all-rounder Hardik Pandya ahead of the first one-day international against New Zealand. Pandya has not featured for the national side since the 2026 T20 World Cup final, and he is still recovering from injury.

Pandya has missed several international matches because of fitness concerns, including tours of Ireland and England. He is currently at the Board of Control for Cricket in India's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he is following a recovery plan. Gill said he hopes Pandya will be back soon. "Hopefully we will get him back," Gill said.

Gill said Pandya is important for strengthening India's batting order. A fit all-rounder gives the team extra depth with both bat and ball, which is why the team management stays in regular contact with him about his fitness and recovery.

Gill also said he hoped Pandya would play some domestic cricket before returning to the national side. Domestic matches let a player test his fitness in competitive conditions before he is picked for international games.

Selectors have not announced a timeline for Pandya's return. It is not yet known when he will be ready to play again, or whether he will be included in the New Zealand series.