Pandya has been out of action since September and underwent a surgery for an acute lower-back injury in October. The 26-year-old, who plays for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, is not expected to make a comeback before the cash-rich T20 league, beginning March 29.

Hardik will be under rehab at the National Cricket Academy until he regains full match fitness.

Cricketer Hardik Pandya has a sweet comment for fiancé Natasa Stankovic's photo with the new haircut.

Hardik captioned the picture with the "heart" emoji and Natasa replied with the same along with the smile. 

It is understood that Pandya is not ready for international cricket and will now have to play at least one domestic game for Baroda before being considered for a national comeback. India's next assignment after the New Zealand series will be three ODIs against South Africa at home in March.

Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shikhar Dhawan will complete their rehab at the NCA.

Sources in the team management said that the all-rounder was asked to complete his rehab at the NCA and it will be 15-20 day programme approximately.

In case Hardik fails to make it, the selectors might either look at the hitting prowess of Suryakumar Yadav since the ODIs in New Zealand will be an extension of T20s in the World Cup year.

The other change in Test squad could be fast-rising Navdeep Saini going as an extra pacer rather than Kuldeep Yadav as the third spinner since only one among Ravichandran Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja will make the playing XI.

Natasa Stankovic has shared a throwback picture of her and fiance Hardik Pandya having a chilled out time together.

Hardik, who was pulled out of the India A squad touring New Zealand at the last minute as he wants to spend some more time working on his back before he returns to action, was seen doing fielding drills and later bowled.

According to a report, Hardik Pandya is eyeing a return to Indian colours with the ODI series against South Africa in March.

Hardik Pandya took part in a training session with Indian team as he recovers from the back surgery.

Tamil Nadu captain Vijay Shankar has been drafted into the India A team and he has already boarded the flight to New Zealand where they will play two 50-over warm-up games, three List A games and two four-day 'Tests' against the home A team.

Pandya was indefinitely suspended by BCCI for making outrageous remarks on women and subsequently, let off with a fine.

Starting January 24, India will be playing five T20 Internationals, three ODIs and two Test matches, and squads for the tour will be picked on Sunday.

Hardik Pandya is set to return to the senior India side in the middle of the New Zealand tour, which is starting on January 24.

Hardik Pandya opened up on the controversy in the talk show which led to his suspension from international cricket.

Recently, Hardik and Natasa were seen cozying up in a selfie and also, Hardik was seen joining his lady love and her family for dinner.

Hardik is presently on a break but is slated to return for India A series against New Zealand.