Pandya, Bumrah to Miss India-SA ODI Series

Indian allrounder Hardik Pandya and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah are set to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India prioritizes recovery and workload management ahead of key T20 commitments. The series begins on November 30 in Ranchi, with Pandya focusing on rebuilding his fitness after a quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup in September.

Pandya, 31, picked up the left quadriceps injury in India's group-stage match against Sri Lanka at the Asia Cup in Dubai. He bowled the opening over, claimed a wicket, but left the field immediately and missed the Super Four clashes as well as the final, where India defeated Pakistan to win the tournament. The injury also sidelined him for India's white-ball tour of Australia. Currently undergoing a four-week rehabilitation program at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Pandya is following return-to-play protocols to gradually increase his workload.

A BCCI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Press Trust of India that Pandya is recovering well but requires careful management. "As of now, returning from quadriceps injury, he needs to build...