INDIA TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND 2020

Hardik Pandya ruled out of New Zealand Test series

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Pandya still hasn't regained full match fitness after his lower back surgery © Getty

Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the forthcoming two-Test series in New Zealand after failing to sufficiently prove his match readiness post a back surgery. The 26-year-old underwent surgery in London on October 5 to treat a chronic problem and had retained hope of potentially participating during the New Zealand series. He will now continue his rehabilitation program at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

Hardik was recently withdrawn from the India A squad for their ongoing series against New Zealand after failing a fitness test. Vijay Shankar was named as his replacement.

Hardik revealed, in December, that it had become imperative for him to take the surgical option at the earliest with an eye on the upcoming assignments - including the New Zealand tour, the IPL and the T20 World Cup - and hopefully draw a line under an injury he's had to manage for nearly five years now.

"We decided to do the surgery now because we saw the future and thought this is the right time. We thought this was the right time because even if I take four months, I will be coming back before the New Zealand series, mid-way actually," Hardik told IANS in December.

"That was the plan that I play some international games, the IPL and then the World T20. The biggest concern was the World T20 which touch wood is now in place. I could have done the surgery a month later, but it would not have helped me in any way," he said. "I was feeling the difference in my back and wasn't able to take it."

Hardik, who played the last of his 11 Tests for India in July 2018, had complained of a back problem at the Asia Cup 2018. He was also ruled out of the T20Is and ODIs against Australia at home last year because of lower back stiffness.

The decision to push for surgery was eventually taken in late September in consultation with Team India physiotherapist Yogesh Parmar. Hardik had returned to the national side for the South Africa T20Is after being rested in India's post-World Cup assignment in the Caribbean. He subsequently missed the T20Is and Tests against Bangladesh, the white-ball series against West Indies, Australia and New Zealand.

India, who will play two World Test Championship games in Wellington and Christchurch starting February 21, are also sweating on the fitness of lead seamer Ishant Sharma, who suffered an ankle injury during a Ranji Trophy game against Vidarbha in early January. India are yet to announce the squad for the series.

© Cricbuzz

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