Why is Hardik Pandya not playing today’s IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI?

Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya hasn't played an ODI since the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in March 2025 and will also miss the upcoming 50-over series against South Africa. He was ruled out of the 50-over leg of the Australia tour as well, as he was still recovering from a left quadricep injury.

The Baroda-born cricketer sustained the injury ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final and could not recover to play in the decider against Pakistan. He could not be fit for both the ODI series and T20I series Down Under, with the selectors opting to keep him out for the 50-over leg against South Africa too. According to reports, the all-rounder had joined the BCCI Centre of Excellence on October 14 to recover from the injury.

In the star cricketer's absence, Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to slot in as the seam-bowling all-rounder in the ODI series against the Proteas. However, the Men in Blue will miss the 32-year-old, given his pedigree and the ability to deliver credible performances under pressure.

---

Hardik Pandya set to feature in three games of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26

Hardik Pandya. (Image Credits: Getty)

According to a report in the Times of India, Pandya is set to join the Krunal Pandya-led Baroda squad for three matches of the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Hyderabad. The report has confirmed that the star cricketer will feature in three games on December 2, 4 and 6 to prepare for a comeback in the T20I leg against South Africa.

Pandya reportedly had a short break during Diwali after relentless training sessions for 42 days under the watch of various specialists. The star all-rounder is a crucial cog in the wheel for India, who are looking to successfully defend their T20 World Cup crown next year.

Nevertheless, the immediate goal for the Men in Blue will be to regain some momentum in the upcoming ODI series after suffering a humiliating 2-0 loss in the red-ball format to South Africa.