India’s first-choice all-rounder Hardik Pandya is  set to miss the upcoming T20 International series against Bangladesh since his acute lower-back injury has resurfaced  and may force him out of action for a long period.

According to BCCI sources, Hardik will soon fly to the United Kingdom for an assessment of the injury, which was first sustained during the Asia Cup in Dubai last September.

The Baroda all-rounder is the second key member in the India  team after premier speedster Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out of the South Africa Test series due to stress fractures in his lower back.

“Hardik is also set to go the United Kingdom on Wednesday to  consult the same doctor, who had treated him during the he first injury post Asia Cup. He is certainly not playing the Bangladesh series but how long he will be out is still not clear. We will know after he comes back from the United  Kingdom," a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of  anonymity.

Germany could be another option for Hardik but BCCI prefers   that he consults doctors in the UK.

It is being speculated that Hardik may have to go for a back may have to go for a back surgery, which will keep him out him out for about five months.