Hardik Pandya Ruled Out of ODI Series Against Afghanistan Due to Injury

In a significant setback for Indian cricket, Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the ODI series against Afghanistan due to a quadriceps strain. Just hours after receiving clearance for a previous back injury, Pandya's new condition raises concerns about his fitness ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup. With the series starting soon, the BCCI has confirmed that he will not recover in time. This decision comes as India aims to keep him match-ready for future ODI assignments. Read on to learn more about the implications of this injury on Pandya's career and India's cricketing strategy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 10, 2026, 11:32 IST

Pandya's Injury Update

Just hours after receiving medical clearance, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been sidelined from the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan due to a new quadriceps strain.

Pandya was at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to address a back spasm injury he incurred while playing for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

Reports suggest that this latest injury may have occurred after he bowled a full 10-over spell during his assessment at the CoE.

The ODI series kicks off on Saturday in Dharamsala, with subsequent matches scheduled in Lucknow and Chennai on June 17 and 20, respectively.

A BCCI source indicated that with only three weeks available for recovery, it is highly unlikely that Pandya will be fit to participate in the ODI series as his rehabilitation will not be completed in time.

Although he missed several IPL matches, Pandya made a comeback for the Mumbai Indians' final game against the Rajasthan Royals on May 24.

This injury comes at a crucial time as the 32-year-old all-rounder is being encouraged to play more ODIs with the 2024 ODI World Cup approaching.

A left ankle injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup against Bangladesh had previously impacted the team's dynamics.

Pandya remains a key player in India's strategy for the upcoming mega event in 2027, set to take place in South Africa.

To ensure he stays fit for the immediate ODI fixtures against Afghanistan and England next month, Pandya has been excluded from the Indian T20 squad, despite his contributions to two World Cup victories.

Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the selection committee, mentioned last week, "He is currently part of the one-day squad for the Afghanistan series. Our main goal is to keep him fit for one-day cricket, as he hasn't played it for some time."

He added, "We can always reinstate him later, so there will be some rest and rotation concerning T20 for Pandya."