In a shocking development, it is reported that the star all-rounder of Team India, Hardik Pandya, has been ruled out of the India vs Afghanistan ODI series.
It was previously assumed that Pandya would be back on the ground in the national team colors, proving his fitness at BCCI’s Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. However, those reports were proven wrong as Hardik Pandya is no longer a part of the 3-match ODI contest.
Why has Hardik Pandya been ruled out for the ODIs vs Afghanistan?
The seam-bowling all-rounder had been dealing with a back spasm issue since the mid-phase of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) season with the Mumbai Indians. He went to CoE because of the back spasm issue he sustained during the IPL 2026. But, as per the Times of India report, Pandya has developed a fresh injury concern, which has been forcing him to stay out of action.
As per the reports, Pandya was doing well at the Center of Excellence and was all set to link up with the ODI team in Dharamshala for the ODI series against Afghanistan. Whenever everything was looking in favour of making a return, a leg sprain emerged as a massive setback for Hardik Pandya.
“There has been a very late setback. He sustained a low-grade, mild leg sprain, causing some tenderness. It’s nothing long-term, but medical staff advised him to avoid any strain or weight-bearing for the next few days. Hardik will continue to stay in Bengaluru, consulting with CoE physios and trainers during his recovery phase,” a BCCI source informed the media house on June 10.
The team management has also been informed about the fresh injury of the 32-year-old all-rounder. It will be now interesting to see whether the team management announces any susbstitute of injured Hardik Pandya.
Before leaving for Dharamashala, some of the players are expected to join the team in Mohali on Wednesday, and can participate in an optional training camp as well.
Virat Kohli has also been ruled out of the IND vs AFG ODIs
It is the second major blow of the Men in Blow, as before Pandya, Virat Kohli was also ruled out of the series because of an injury. Kohli is now dealing with a hamstring issue, which he received during the IPL 2026 championship match, when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was against the Gujarat Titans. The recovery process can take a few weeks in the case of Virat Kohli.
Another star of Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma, remains under uncertainty. A final report is yet to come regarding his chances to play in the India vs Afghanistan ODI series. Like Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma also faced fitness-related issues during the IPL 2026 season.
Sharma, who has a history of hamstring injuries, received a fresh knock during the league. However, he returned to the field before the conclusion of the tournament only to be played as an impact batter. To take part in the ODIs against Afghanistan, the opener needs to prove his fitness.