Hardik Pandya for India [Source: AFP]Hardik Pandya's return to cricket has garnered significant attention after his talks with Gujarat Titans became a roadblock to his IPL trade deal. Currently, Pandya is being linked with Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, with both franchises reportedly interested in acquiring the India all-rounder for IPL 2027. However, in a recent development, Pandya expressed his wish to be reinstated as the GT skipper, replacing Shubman Gill, but the request was reportedly denied by the Titans franchise.Amid all the hustle and bustle, Hardik Pandya is now targeting a T20I return after being out of international cricket since March 2026, when he last played against New Zealand in Ahmedabad during the T20 World Cup.Hardik Pandya eyeing Afghanistan series return amid IPL trade buzzAs per a Times of India report, Hardik has been training at the Board of Control for Cricket in India's Centre of Excellence for several weeks since the conclusion of IPL 2026. Hardik is now focusing on regaining full fitness. According to the report, Pandya is currently bowling up to 10 overs and batting extensively in the nets as India are scheduled to play a T20I series against Afghanistan in New Delhi from September 13. Also Read- Cameron Green For Hardik Pandya Trade On The Brink Of FallingPandya missed India stints due to injuryHardik Pandya missed parts of the IPL league stage due to persistent back spasms before returning for Mumbai Indians' final two group-stage matches. In June, he reported to the COE in Bengaluru to build up his bowling workload and undergo multiple fitness tests ahead of his comeback. During the same month, he attempted to bowl a full quota of 10 overs in a simulation match and initially cleared the test for selection. However, he subsequently experienced discomfort in his left leg, with a low-grade quadriceps strain requiring a multi-week recovery period.Pandya then shifted permanently to the COE in July, where he has been working on improving his physical conditioning and managing his workload and travel demands. His training at the medical centre has been crucial after he missed multiple ODI and T20I opportunities during India's recent international schedule.Hardik Pandya will now be aiming for a massive comeback in the T20I series against Afghanistan, with the Men in Blue set to receive a major boost from his return.India to get massive boost with Pandya returnIn the absence of Pandya, Shivam Dube has been the likely replacement option. However, Pandya's expertise cannot be completely replaced, particularly because Dube is a medium-pace bowler and does not offer the same bowling impact as Pandya. He may match Pandya's levels in terms of power-hitting, but India's bowling attack could particularly benefit from the return of the experienced all-rounder.Nevertheless, India's struggles in Pandya's absence have not been limited to the bowling department. India whitewashed Afghanistan 3-0 in the ODI series, but their performances in the subsequent T20I series against Ireland and England were far less convincing. The ODI series against England also ended 2-1 in India's favour, while their most comfortable success came against Zimbabwe, whom they whitewashed 3-0.Now, Hardik Pandya's likely return for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which concludes on September 17, could provide a major boost to India. It will also be an important comeback for Pandya himself, as he will be eager to prove his fitness, bowling workload and ability to perform at the highest level before the IPL 2027 trade window closes.Also Read- What Could Tempt Gill-Gambhir To Hand Debut Cap To Saransh Jain As Manav Suthar Watches On?
