IND vs AFG: Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya cleared to play Afghanistan ODIs; Virat Kohli ruled out
India has received a major boost ahead of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya reportedly nearing full fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
Pandya, who was named in India’s squad subject to fitness, has completed an extensive rehabilitation programme after struggling with back spasms during IPL 2026. The injury forced him to miss several matches for Mumbai Indians before he returned later in the tournament.
According to reports, the 32-year-old has responded positively to training and is now expected to be available for selection for the ODI series beginning in Dharamsala.
Hardik Pandya completes rehabilitation programme
Pandya arrived at the CoE on June 2 and underwent fitness assessments as part of his recovery process. During his stay, the seam-bowling all-rounder reportedly participated in batting, bowling and fielding drills, along with match-simulation sessions designed to test his readiness for 50-over cricket.
Sources familiar with the development indicated that Pandya has shown no signs of discomfort and has successfully completed the required workload, including bowling extended spells.
His return comes at an important stage for India as the team begins preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup scheduled to be held in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Rohit Sharma also set to return
Rohit had been recovering from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss several matches during IPL 2026. However he has now completed his rehabilitation programmes at the CoE before undergoing fitness assessments.
According to ANI, sources have confirmed that the duo have cleared the required tests and will soon link up with the Indian team. “Hardik and Rohit are all set to play the ODI series against Afghanistan; both have cleared their fitness test and will soon join the team,” sources told ANI.
Virat Kohli ruled out, Jaiswal called up
India will be without Virat Kohli for the Afghanistan ODIs after the former captain suffered a hamstring injury during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 title-winning-campaign.
Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named as Kohli’s replacement in the squad. The ODI series between India and Afghanistan will begin in Dharamsala on June 13 before moving to Lucknow on June 17 and Chennai on June 20.
