India's ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya has reported to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a check-up on his left quadricep injury. The doctors will now determine the next course of action in his rehabilitation. Injury During Asia Cup 2025 Pandya's injury occurred while playing for India in the Asia Cup 2025 game against Sri Lanka, keeping him out of contention for the deciding match against Pakistan. India's loss was a big blow, though Shivam Dube made up for it with an impressive show in the final match. The initial four-to-six week recovery period was quoted by BCCI officials. Pandya was also excluded from India's tour of Australia, consisting of three ODIs and five T20Is from October 19. But early indications are that he will not need surgery and can return next month. A BCCI source said: "The future course of action would be decided after a detailed assessment by the medical staff." In the Asia Cup, Pandya took four wickets and made a vital 38-run contribution against Bangladesh, giving cues of his all-around abilities. Also Read | NSW cricketer Joel Davies reported for crotch-chop gesture Pandya's Role and India's Backups Pandya's injury has yet again pointed out how valuable he is to India's white-ball contingent. With his explosive big-hitting and wicket-taking potential, the ex-T20I skipper is usually regarded as irreplaceable in the playing XI. To cover his absence, the selectors included Nitish Kumar Reddy, a young seam-bowling all-rounder, in the squad for the Australia tour. Reddy impressed during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year and will look to seize this new opportunity. Shivam Dube is also likely to play in the T20I series following his impressive show in the Asia Cup. These matches will help the management check the balance of the team without Pandya before major tournaments to come. When Will Hardik Pandya Return? If things go according to plan, Pandya likely to make a comeback during India's upcoming home series against South Africa, consisting of two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is. The series will run for 35 days, providing Pandya with sufficient time to get back fully fit before making a return to international cricket. Although he is not in the BCCI's plan for red-ball cricket anymore, the all-rounder is still one of India's most important cricketers in the white-ball game, able to turn matches with both bat and ball. His comeback will be crucial for India's buildup to the hectic 2025-26 season.