India’s preparations for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan have been dealt a significant setback after all-rounder Hardik Pandya was ruled out with a fresh injury. The development comes just a day after he was declared fit by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
Pandya had successfully completed his rehabilitation from back spasms and was expected to join the Indian squad in Dharamsala ahead of the series opener on June 14. However, according to reports, the Mumbai Indians star sustained a quadriceps injury before linking up with the team, forcing him out of the series at the last moment.
The injury is another frustrating chapter in Pandya’s recent fitness struggles. He had already missed several matches during IPL 2026 due to injury concerns and was preparing to make his first ODI appearance for India in more than a year. His absence leaves a major gap in India’s lineup, given his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
In contrast, there was positive news regarding Rohit Sharma. The former India captain, who had been recovering from a hamstring niggle, successfully cleared his fitness assessment at the CoE and has been declared available for the Afghanistan series.
India are already without Virat Kohli, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury. The absence of both Kohli and Pandya will force the team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, to rethink its plans for the series.
The ODI series against Afghanistan will begin in Dharamsala before moving to Lucknow on June 17 and Chennai on June 20. The matches are expected to play an important role in shaping India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
With Rohit returning but Pandya sidelined once again, India face a mixed fitness update ahead of a crucial white-ball assignment.
