Mahieka Sharma penned a heartfelt note for Hardik Pandya's 33rd birthday, detailing his journey from a struggling young cricketer in Baroda to one of India's leading all-rounders, highlighting his early struggles, unexpected turn to bowling, and unwavering work ethic.
Hardik Pandya is reportedly nearing a return to competitive white-ball cricket, subject to medical clearance.
India trainer Ramji Srinivasan has issued a clear mandate to Hardik Pandya, stating that the all-rounder must regain full fitness and significantly increase his bowling workload to be considered for the 2027 ODI World Cup, following a prolonged absence due to multiple injuries.
Hardik Pandya, who has been sidelined from the Indian team for the last 7-8 months due to a quadriceps injury, has been enjoying recovery time with his loved one and away from the limelight.
Hardik Pandya's return to cricket is contingent on him proving full fitness, specifically bowling his complete quota of 10 overs for India A, as selectors eye his potential role in the 2027 ODI World Cup amidst persistent injury concerns.
Indian hockey stars Hardik Singh and Manpreet Singh shared their thoughts on the recent Asian Games gold medal win, which also secured their qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics. They discussed their dietary plans, coach Craig Fulton's positive influence, and the team's belief in their attacking prowess.
All-rounder Suryansh Shedge has been named as a replacement for the injured Hardik Pandya in the India A squad for the upcoming three-match one-day series against Australia A in Puducherry, with Pandya ruled out due to a fresh injury concern preventing him from bowling pain-free.
Actress Ameesha Patel strongly reacted to social media speculation regarding her friendship with cricketer Hardik Pandya after a viral video showed her hand on his arm, sarcastically dismissing romantic interpretations and advising the X user to 'have a girl even as a friend'.
Hardik Pandya's comeback has suffered another setback after a fresh right-shin injury, ruling him out of New Zealand tour and forcing the all-rounder into another rehabilitation phase.
Speculation surrounding Hardik Pandya's future with Mumbai Indians in the IPL continues, with reports indicating MI has not yet committed to a trade despite interest from Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.
However, Hardik Pandya's inclusion is once again subject to getting fitness clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence.
National selectors are set to convene in New Delhi to finalise India's ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming home series against West Indies, with Rishabh Pant's potential white-ball return and Hardik Pandya's fitness being the primary discussion points.
Mumbai Indians' cryptic Instagram post has ignited fresh speculation about Hardik Pandya's IPL future.
'A player like Hardik Pandya is needed in every franchise. He is a proper three dimensional player.'
Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant were not picked in Indian team for the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, while Ruturaj Gaikwad made a return to the one-day team.
Hardik Pandya's potential return to Gujarat Titans was reportedly rejected after he made his move conditional on being reinstated as captain, a demand the franchise, including current captain Shubman Gill, declined.
Indian men's hockey team vice-captain Hardik Singh has taken responsibility for the team's 1-3 defeat against the Netherlands at the FIH World Cup. He attributed the loss to a "one per cent lapse" in an otherwise strong performance, highlighting how small errors proved costly in a high-stakes match. Defender Amit Rohidas also acknowledged unforced errors in the final quarter.
Hardik Pandya has been linked with multiple franchises after another disappointing Mumbai Indians campaign, with the Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals also being mentioned as potential suitors.
Indian batter Dhruv Jurel scored an unbeaten 115, becoming only the second Indian to hit a Test century at No. 7 or lower in Sri Lanka. His crucial partnerships, including a 112-run stand with Rishabh Pant, helped India declare at 503/9, putting them in a strong position against Sri Lanka in the second Test.
Indian hockey vice-captain Hardik Singh stated that the new orange-coloured jersey for the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup is a 'team strategy' and a 'tactic' to avoid clashes with the blue Astroturf, a decision that has sparked controversy.
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, currently recovering from injury, visited the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala with his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma, sporting a tonsured head that has sparked speculation among fans.
Mumbai all-rounder Suryansh Shedge is a strong contender for India's ODI squad for the New Zealand tour, following impressive performances against Australia A. His recent form, coupled with injury concerns for other all-rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Hardik Pandya, makes him an attractive option for the expanded squad needed due to a tight schedule.
India's men's hockey team successfully defended their Asian Games gold medal by defeating Malaysia 5-1, securing a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Mumbai has announced its 16-member squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match against Himachal Pradesh, featuring Suryansh Shedge and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. The team will see significant changes in its top order and overall composition due to injuries to vice-captain Ayush Mhatre and Shardul Thakur, as well as Yashasvi Jaiswal's commitment to the India 'A' team. Raghuvanshi and Divyaansh Saxena are expected to form a new opening partnership.
India's men's hockey team secured their fifth Asian Games gold medal, and second consecutive, by defeating Malaysia 5-1. This victory also guarantees them a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The women's team also achieved gold, marking a double triumph for Indian hockey.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer wants Mohammed Shami back in India's ODI team, backing a Bumrah-Shami-Siraj pace attack ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Sanju Samson smashed 56 off 22 balls to join India's 100-six T20I club as the team became the second nation to cross 2,000 sixes in the format.
The Indian men's hockey squad for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy, to be held in Punjab from October 27 to November 5, has been announced. Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak returns to the team, while the core of the Asian Games gold-winning lineup, led by Harmanpreet Singh, has been retained. The tournament marks the return of international hockey to Punjab, with matches in Jalandhar and Mohali.
Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has made the unprecedented move of permanently shifting his training base to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. This decision aims to leverage the COE's facilities for injury rehabilitation and skills training throughout his career, marking a significant shift from traditional player practices.
Indian men's hockey coach Craig Fulton revealed that the tough semifinal victory against Pakistan was crucial in preparing the team for their dominant 5-1 win over Malaysia in the Asian Games final. This victory secured India's gold medal and a direct qualification for the 2028 Olympics. Senior player Hardik Singh also expressed relief and pride in the team's performance after a disappointing World Cup.
Protesters associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi, many of whom participated in a July demonstration, adapted their strategies for a recent protest on Saturday. They used digital artwork, prepared for potential police action like lathi charges, and advised newcomers on safety measures such as carrying multiple masks and goggles. The protest, called to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter-list manipulation, faced heavy security deployment, barricades, and mass detentions, preventing a large-scale gathering at Jantar Mantar.
East Bengal lost 2-3 to Iraq's Al Shorta in their second AFC Champions League Two group match on Tuesday, despite taking the lead twice through David Lalhlansanga's brace. Al Shorta scored two quick goals in the second half to secure the win, leaving East Bengal winless in two matches and failing to capitalise on a late numerical advantage.
Young Indian fast bowlers Gurjapneet Singh, Arshad Khan, and Yash Thakur are set to feature in the India A vs Australia A one-day series, aiming to showcase their talent and address the senior national team's current scarcity in the pace department. The series, initially anticipated for Hardik Pandya's return, now serves as a crucial platform for these emerging pacers to catch the attention of national selectors amidst injuries and inconsistent form among established bowlers.
Abhishek Sharma joined India's 2,000-run T20I club with a blistering 69 off 30 balls, equalling Suryakumar Yadav's calendar-year sixes record and registering his seventh powerplay fifty.
Manasi Joshi and Thulasimathi Murugesan secured India's first medal at the Asian Para Games by reaching the women's doubles SL3-SU5 semifinals. Tokyo Paralympics champion Krishna Nagar also advanced to the quarterfinals in men's singles SH6, alongside numerous other Indian victories in various singles and doubles categories, despite some setbacks.
India's head coach Gautam Gambhir indicated that top batters might be rested from white-ball cricket to prepare for Tests during the upcoming New Zealand tour. He emphasised the importance of Test cricket, the challenge of multi-format players, and discussed preparations for the 2027 World Cup, highlighting the crucial roles of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, and praising Shubman Gill's captaincy.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir stated that all-rounder Hardik Pandya is not yet fit to bowl a full 10-over quota in ODIs and will not be rushed back. Gambhir also hinted at the possibility of playing both Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy once Pandya achieves full bowling fitness, emphasizing his return depends on his all-round contribution.
India A faces Australia A in the second unofficial One-Day International, aiming to bounce back after a significant loss in the opener. Key players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devdutt Padikkal, and Sai Sudharsan are under pressure to perform, while Suryansh Shedge emerged as a promising all-rounder for India A.
The second T20I between India and West Indies in Ranchi is expected to be heavily influenced by dew, making the toss crucial, while the pitch is set to favour batsmen. Local fans are also eagerly anticipating the performance of Jharkhand's own Ishan Kishan.
India's assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak has provided an update on the fitness of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, who are awaiting clearance for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan after sustaining injuries during the IPL.
