Hardik Pandya ruled out of New Zealand Tests

The 26-year-old, who underwent back surgery in October, had hoped to recover in time for the two-Test series in New Zealand. However, his rehabilitation has taken longer than expected, and the all-rounder has not been cleared to make a comeback this month.

"Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. He will be under rehab at the National Cricket Academy until he regains full match fitness," BCCI said in a release on Saturday, 1 February.

Pandya was initially drafted into India A's squad for the tour of New Zealand, but was later withdrawn for precautionary measures. He was hopeful of making his international comeback mid-way through the senior team's tour, but those hopes have been dashed.

"We thought this was the right time because even if I take four months, I will be coming back before the New Zealand series, mid-way actually. That was the plan that I play some international games, the IPL and then the World T20. The biggest concern was the World T20 which, touch wood, is now in place," Pandya had told the IANS earlier this year.

India play a three-match ODI series against South Africa at home after the New Zealand tour.