Hardik Pandya Likely to Miss Afghanistan ODIs After Fresh Injury Setback

New Delhi, June 2026 : India’s preparations for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan have suffered a significant setback, with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya likely to miss the assignment after sustaining a fresh injury concern during his rehabilitation.

Pandya, one of India’s most experienced seam-bowling all-rounders, was nearing a return to competitive cricket after recovering from back spasms that forced him to miss several matches for Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026. The 31-year-old had been undergoing an intensive fitness programme at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru since June 2 and was believed to be on track for receiving full fitness clearance ahead of the Afghanistan series.

The ODI series is scheduled to begin on June 13 in Dharamshala, with the remaining matches set to be played in Lucknow and Chennai.

According to sources, Pandya had shown encouraging signs during his rehabilitation and was comfortably completing batting, bowling and fielding drills. He had reportedly resumed bowling at full intensity and was close to being declared match-fit. However, a late injury setback has now jeopardised his participation.

Sources indicated that Pandya has picked up a minor niggle in his leg, which is expected to require a few weeks of recovery. The development has effectively ruled him out of contention for the Afghanistan series as he remains short of achieving full fitness standards required for international cricket.

“Hardik Pandya was close to being fully cleared by the Centre of Excellence for the ODI series against Afghanistan. However, he has suffered a slight leg niggle and will need some time to recover. This setback means he is unlikely to attain full match fitness in time for the series and will continue his rehabilitation at the CoE,” sources said.

Pandya’s absence is a major concern for India as the team continues to build combinations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made him a vital component of India’s white-ball plans over the years.

Notably, Pandya has not played an ODI since India’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign in 2025, and the latest injury means his wait for a return to 50-over cricket will be extended further.

The focus will now shift to whether he can recover in time for India’s three-match ODI series against England, scheduled from July 14 to July 19.

India have already been dealt another injury blow with senior batter Virat Kohli ruled out of the Afghanistan ODIs due to a hamstring injury. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been drafted into the squad as his replacement.

With Pandya likely unavailable, selectors could consider seam-bowling all-rounder Shivam Dube as a replacement. Another option is Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has already featured in four ODIs and remains part of India’s growing pool of all-round talent.