Hardik Pandya Nears Fitness for Upcoming ODI Series Against Afghanistan
Hardik Pandya's Fitness Update
File image of Veteran Cricketer Hardik Pandya(Photo: @ateekview/X)
New Delhi, June 9: Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has received an 'almost fit' status from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) ahead of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, which kicks off on Sunday in Dharamsala.
Pandya had been dealing with back spasms that led to his absence from several matches during the IPL 2026 season with the Mumbai Indians. Consequently, he was sent to the CoE in Bangalore to focus on his fitness. Although he was included in the 15-member squad for the Afghanistan ODIs, his participation depended on his fitness level.
According to a source familiar with the situation, "Hardik is nearly cleared for his return to ODIs. It was primarily a formality, as he has been performing well in batting, bowling, and fielding since arriving at the CoE on June 2. Both Hardik and Rohit are still present here, and with one day left, the ODI team will gather in Dharamsala tomorrow."
The return of the seam-bowling all-rounder is a significant advantage for India, particularly as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
In addition, opener Rohit Sharma's involvement in the series is uncertain due to a hamstring injury he sustained during IPL 2026.
Hardik has not participated in an ODI since India's Champions Trophy victory in March 2025, while Rohit last played in an ODI in January and is recovering from a hamstring issue that kept him out of six IPL matches earlier this season.
Furthermore, Virat Kohli will miss the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury incurred while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during their IPL 2026 title run. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named as his replacement in the squad.
The ODI series against Afghanistan will commence with the first match on June 13 in Dharamsala, followed by games in Lucknow on June 17 and Chennai on June 20. The squad for the ODIs in England will be announced after the Afghanistan series.