India’s preparations for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan have suffered a significant setback, with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya ruled out of the three-match contest following a fresh injury concern.
Pandya, who had recently completed fitness assessments and training drills at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, was initially expected to receive clearance for international action. However, a late fitness setback has forced the 32-year-old out of the June series, raising fresh concerns about his workload management and long-term availability.
According to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pandya has sustained a quadriceps strain and has been advised to undergo approximately two weeks of rehabilitation and recovery under close supervision.
India’s preparations for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan have suffered a significant setback, with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya ruled out of the three-match contest following a fresh injury concern.
Pandya, who had recently completed fitness assessments and training drills at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, was initially expected to receive clearance for international action. However, a late fitness setback has forced the 32-year-old out of the June series, raising fresh concerns about his workload management and long-term availability.
According to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pandya has sustained a quadriceps strain and has been advised to undergo approximately two weeks of rehabilitation and recovery under close supervision.
Fresh Blow After Fitness Clearance
The development comes after positive signs emerged from Bengaluru, where Pandya had been undergoing assessments by the Sports Science Team following fitness concerns during the IPL season.
Sources indicated that the all-rounder successfully completed required tests before experiencing discomfort that ultimately led to his withdrawal from the Afghanistan series.
As a result, Pandya will remain at the Centre of Excellence rather than joining the national squad, with medical staff closely monitoring his recovery progress.
The latest injury adds another chapter to the all-rounder's recent struggles with fitness, an issue that has periodically interrupted his international career despite his importance to India's white-ball plans.
England Series Now Under Watch
While Pandya's absence from the Afghanistan ODIs has been confirmed, attention is already shifting toward India's upcoming ODI series against England in July.
The timeline of his rehabilitation means selectors and team management will likely take a cautious approach before making any decision regarding his return.
Given Pandya's value as one of India's premier pace-bowling all-rounders, the BCCI has consistently prioritized long-term fitness management over short-term availability.
His recovery progress over the next few weeks will determine whether he is available for England or requires additional rehabilitation.
Injury Concerns Follow Challenging IPL Season
Pandya recently captained Mumbai Indians during the IPL 2026 season, a campaign that proved difficult both personally and collectively.
Earlier in the tournament, he suffered back spasms that forced him to miss several matches. The injury concerns prompted his subsequent visit to the Centre of Excellence after the IPL concluded.
The season also brought scrutiny over Mumbai Indians' performances after the five-time champions finished at the bottom of the standings for the second time under Pandya's leadership.
The disappointing campaign sparked debate about the franchise's future leadership structure and Pandya's role moving forward.
India Squad Faces Multiple Absences
Pandya's injury is the latest setback for India's ODI plans.
While captain Rohit Sharma has been cleared to participate in the Afghanistan series, Virat Kohli has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has already been named as Kohli's replacement, highlighting India's increasing reliance on emerging talent amid injury-related disruptions.
Some members of the ODI squad are expected to gather in Mohali ahead of an optional training session before traveling to Dharamsala for the series.
World Cup 2027 Remains the Priority
Pandya's recent omission from India's T20I squads for Ireland, England, and the Asian Games further reflects the management's cautious approach toward his workload.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has previously emphasized that maintaining Pandya's fitness for major ICC events remains a central objective.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup viewed as a long-term target, India appears determined to carefully manage one of its most influential match-winners rather than risk recurring injuries through an overloaded schedule.
For now, the focus remains on recovery, with Team India hoping its premier all-rounder can return to full fitness ahead of a crucial international calendar in the months ahead.
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