Hardik Pandya [Source: AFP]In what turns out to be a new development, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has joined BCCI’s new programme. Notably, this move comes at a fascinating time, coinciding with intense speculation surrounding a blockbuster IPL trade window ahead of the 2027 season. According to reports, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals are exploring a groundbreaking player-swap deal. If the franchises pull the trigger, Hardik will don the Royals' pink jersey, while India's opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal, will make a high-profile move to the Wankhede.Hardik Pandya Currently Undergoing Rehabilitation Meanwhile, Hardik Pamdya has been sidelined since the latter stages of IPL 2026 due to a lingering back injury. While currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (CoE), Hardik experienced a setback during his recovery sessions, forcing him to sit out India's recently concluded three-match ODI series against Afghanistan.Although early indicators suggested the all-rounder would recover in time for the tour of England, the team management has decided to rest him for the upcoming T20I series against both Ireland and England to prioritize his long-term fitness.Hardik Pandya Ruled Out Of England ODI SeriesMeanwhile, he also missed out on being included in the three-match England ODI series as the Hardik failed to recover in time from his quadricep injury and will not travel with the Indian team to the England.However, amid this, the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) has launched a programme called the Performance Block, in a bid to keep the BCCI's centrally contracted players in prime form skill-wise.According to The Times of India (TOI), this programme has opened the doors for international players to sharpen their cricketing skills at any point of the year, besides being an integral part of a player's return-to-play process after injury.Hardik Pandya Opts For Performance BlockAccording to sources speaking to TOI, Hardik Pandya has chosen to enter the Performance Block rather than focusing solely on fitness rehabilitation for the upcoming ODI series in England. "The CoE was largely a rehab centre for international cricketers. The cricketing programmes were restricted to age-group and zonal camps. Now, India players can come at any time and have very specialised sessions to work on minute things in their game.Notably, Indian all-rounder Harshit Rana has become the first player to be declared fully fit under this new initiative.There will be a dedicated coaching staff working with the players. Also, under this programme, an injured player can only be cleared as fit to play for India if he is playing to his potential," a BCCI source told TOI.Also Read: CSK Share Final Verdict On Hardik Pandya Trade Ahead Of IPL 2027Previously, injured players were cleared using clinical assessments and basic match simulation sessions. However, the CoE often lacked a high-quality pool of players to make those simulations truly competitive. Hence, Hardik Pandya’s entry marks a significant milestone, making him the first high-profile, marquee player to undergo this newly overhauled programme.When Will Hardik Pandya Return To Action?As the all-rounder is not a part of the England white-ball series, his return is now anticipated during India's multi-format tour of the West Indies. Interestingly, the Indian team does not have any One-Day Internationals scheduled until late September 2026.Notably, India are slated to play a three-match ODI series beginning September 27, which could serve as the official platform for Hardik's return to the 50-over format. Ahead of that window, India will travel to Zimbabwe in July for a T20I series, an assignment that could provide the ideal competitive environment for the star all-rounder to regain his match fitness.Also Read: CSK Share Final Verdict On Hardik Pandya Trade Ahead Of IPL 2027
