former indian batsman Mohammad Kaif caused concern Hardik PandyaRecurring health issues have raised questions over the all-rounder’s injury status while acknowledging the uncertainty over whether he will still feature in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.Hardik He recently missed the ODI series against Afghanistan due to injury and has also been ruled out of India’s upcoming 50-over series against England in July. His absence has reignited discussions about his long-term health, a subject Kraft feels has never been fully addressed.Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif acknowledged Hardik’s immense value to the Indian team and called him an irreplaceable all-rounder in the current squad. However, he admits the Baroda star’s injury record makes it difficult to predict how long he can last at the highest level.“I cannot accept his assurances and even I do not understand his situation. He is such an important match-winner. In the current situation, no one can come close to him as an all-rounder. He knows this too. But his body is fragile. He was also injured in 2023 and it was not the same after that. However, there is no news about his injury and there is no reason to say anything. We can only know the situation through sources,” he said.Kaif also criticized the lack of communication about Hardik’s fitness and felt fans deserve more transparency whenever a key player is absent.“The fans also have the right to know exactly what is going on and we need more transparency. Hardik has been that way throughout his career. Regarding his injury, there are always questions about what happened and why he was absent,” he added.Kaif also expressed his views while discussing India’s ODI squad Yashasvi JaiswalThe team was missing from the England series. The young opener proved his quality with a century in the last ODI against Afghanistan but was still left out of the 15-man squad.Kaif supports elector choice decision Ishan Kishan Instead, he pointed to the wicketkeeper-batsman’s versatility and ability to contribute in multiple roles. He also expressed Kishan’s current form and the support of the head coach Gautam Gambhir Good for him.“Jaswal will play. He will be an all-rounder. His time will also come. Agarkar has said that they can only select 15 players and I agree with him. We have a lot of quality players but some always miss out like this. They have to choose Jaiswal or Ishan Kishan. There is also this kind of liking. I said this last time too. He’s in great shape too, so I agree with the decision. Jaiswal needs to wait a moment,” Kaif said.Despite missing out on the opportunity, Kaif still believes Jaiswal’s future depends on India in all three formats. For now, though, the youngster may have to remain patient as the race for a spot will continue to intensify ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.
