Hardik Pandya Set for ODI Return as India Receive Fitness Boost Ahead of Afghanistan Series

New Delhi, June 2026 : India are set to receive a major boost ahead of their three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya reportedly being declared almost fit to return to international cricket after recovering from a back injury.

Pandya, who had been struggling with back spasms during IPL 2026, was forced to miss a few matches for the Mumbai Indians. Following the setback, he was sent to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru to undergo rehabilitation and regain match fitness. Although he was named in India’s 15-member squad for the Afghanistan series, his participation remained subject to clearance from the medical team.

According to sources, the star all-rounder has responded well to rehabilitation and is expected to be available for selection. Since arriving at the Centre of Excellence on June 2, Pandya has successfully completed batting, bowling and fielding drills without any significant issues.

His return comes as welcome news for the Indian team management, which is beginning preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup to be hosted jointly by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. As one of India’s most influential all-rounders, Pandya’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball remains vital to the team’s balance in the 50-over format.

The Afghanistan series will mark Pandya’s first ODI appearance since India’s Champions Trophy triumph in March 2025. His return is expected to strengthen the middle order while also providing an additional pace-bowling option.

Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over the availability of captain Rohit Sharma. The veteran opener is recovering from a hamstring injury suffered during IPL 2026, which forced him to miss six matches for his franchise. Rohit is currently undergoing fitness assessment, and a final decision regarding his participation is expected before the series opener.

India have already suffered a setback with Virat Kohli being ruled out of the Afghanistan series. Kohli sustained a hamstring injury during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful IPL 2026 title-winning campaign and has been advised to rest. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been drafted into the squad as his replacement.

The three-match ODI series against Afghanistan will provide India with an opportunity to test combinations and assess player fitness ahead of a busy international schedule. It will also play a role in shaping the squad for the subsequent ODI tour of England, for which selectors are expected to finalise the team after the Afghanistan series concludes.

The series begins in Dharamsala on June 13, followed by the second ODI in Lucknow on June 17. The third and final match will be played in Chennai on June 20.

With Pandya nearing full fitness and several players competing for places, the Afghanistan series is expected to offer valuable insights into India’s plans for the next World Cup cycle.