In a major boost for Team India, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has attained full fitness and cleared his medical tests ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Pandya successfully proved his match fitness during rigorous evaluation sessions conducted at the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. The dynamic cricketer had previously missed a few matches during the IPL 2026 season due to a recurring back injury, forcing management to send him to the CoE for a specialized rehabilitation program. Officials confirmed that he has been training intensively in batting, bowling, and fielding drills since June 2, rendering him completely ready for international selection as India builds its core transition squad for the 2027 World Cup.
While Hardik’s return brings relief to the camp, a cloud of uncertainty still hangs over senior opener Rohit Sharma’s participation. Rohit is currently nursing a hamstring injury sustained during the late stages of the IPL season, and the medical staff is yet to submit his final fitness clearance report. This same injury concern has already ruled out legendary batsman Virat Kohli from the entire bilateral series against Afghanistan. Recognizing the void left by Kohli’s absence, the national selectors have drafted in explosive young left-handed batter Yashasvi Jaiswal into the ODI squad to bolster the top order.
The highly anticipated bilateral ODI series between India and Afghanistan is scheduled to kick off with the opening encounter on June 13 in the picturesque stadium of Dharamshala. The action will subsequently move to Lucknow for the second match on June 17, concluding with the final ODI under the lights in Chennai on June 20. This home series will serve as a crucial testing ground for the players, as the national selection committee plans to finalize and announce the core ODI squad for the subsequent high-profile tour of England immediately after the final match.
