India’s all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, is close to being declared fit by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Pandya, who had been dealing with back spasms and missed some IPL 2026 games for Mumbai Indians, underwent a fitness regime at the CoE in Bangalore. Despite being named in the 15-member squad for the Afghanistan ODIs, his participation depended on his fitness.
A source familiar with the situation mentioned that Pandya is on the verge of making his ODI comeback, excelling in batting, bowling, and fielding since his arrival at the CoE on June 2. His return is significant for India as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, opener Rohit Sharma’s involvement in the series is uncertain due to a hamstring injury suffered during IPL 2026.
Hardik Pandya has not played an ODI since India’s Champions Trophy victory in March 2025, while Rohit Sharma, who last played in India’s previous ODI assignment in January, is recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for six IPL matches this season. Additionally, Virat Kohli will miss the three-ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury sustained during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL 2026 title run. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named as his replacement in the squad.
The ODI series against Afghanistan commences 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 finalized after the Afghanistan series.
