If you support Team India, your heart dropped when Hardik Pandya was out of the tournament final of the Asia Cup 2025. Thankfully, the weekend saw India beat Pakistan in a memorable clash; however, with the Australia ODIs on the horizon, Hardik’s injury not only leaves an enormous void – he is like two players in one with his power-hitting and effective medium pace – but it also raises a huge question: who comes in if Hardik isn’t fit? Here are three exciting candidates.

 

Shivam Dube

 

Hardik on the Sidelines: 3 Players Who Could Be India’s Next Big All-Rounder in ODIs Shivam Dube

 

Let’s be real—if anyone in Indian cricket currently resembles Hardik Pandya’s role, it’s Shivam Dube. The 32-year-old turned the Asia Cup final into his personal audition tape, bowling in the powerplay and delivering a crucial 33 off just 22 balls in the tense run chase. Not bad for a man stepping into Hardik’s shoes on short notice.

 

Dube’s medium pace isn’t as exciting/fancy as Hardik’s, but it is effective, and his improved confidence while bowling in the Asia Cup stood out. He managed five wickets in the tournament with a good economy. Together with his ability to clear the ropes in vital moments, we have someone capable of solidifying the middle order and contributing with the ball.

 

Nitish Kumar Reddy

 

Hardik on the Sidelines: 3 Players Who Could Be India’s Next Big All-Rounder in ODIs Nitish Kumar Reddy

 

Dube may give a present impact, but Reddy is the future. The 22-year-old has been groomed as Hardik’s successor slowly but surely, and he’s already showing glimpses in all formats. Remember that gritty first Test hundred in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy? That was not a fluke.

 

Nitish is the kind of player who thrives under pressure. His List-A numbers, averaging over 36 with the bat and boasting a healthy strike rate of 95.27, suggest he’s more than ready to leap. Add 14 wickets in 22 outings, and you’re looking at a genuine all-round package.

 

Suryansh Shedge

 

Hardik on the Sidelines: 3 Players Who Could Be India’s Next Big All-Rounder in ODIs Suryansh Shedge

 

Every good team needs a surprise element, and Suryansh Shedge could be India’s. At just 22, he’s already making noise in the domestic circuit and recently got a call-up to India A’s squad against Australia A. That’s no small vote of confidence.

 

Shedge’s John Wright Trophy campaign was a splendid one: nine wickets in seven matches, with an average of 16.22. Not only is he a bowler, but based on his strike rate of 91 with the bat, he can be useful as a lower-order batter as well. True, his IPL debut with Punjab Kings was not one for the history books, but these sorts of experiences typically only make youngsters more resilient for the greater good.

 

Replacing Hardik Pandya is like replacing Wi-Fi during a power cut—you’ll find alternatives, but nothing works quite the same. Still, India’s options aren’t too shabby. Shivam Dube brings immediate firepower, Nitish Kumar Reddy offers future stability, and Suryansh Shedge adds that unpredictable X-factor.

 

FAQs

 

  1. Why is Hardik Pandya missing the AUS vs IND 2025 ODI series?

Hardik Pandya is sidelined with a quadriceps injury and has been advised to rest for at least four weeks.

 

  1. Who is the most likely replacement for Hardik Pandya in the Australia ODIs?

Shivam Dube is the most likely replacement thanks to his strong showing in the Asia Cup 2025 final.

 

  1. Is Nitish Kumar Reddy ready for ODI cricket?

Yes, his consistent List-A performances and success in Australian conditions make him a strong candidate.

 

Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.

 

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