Hardik Pandya fit for Afghanistan ODIs, BCCI CoE gives green light
Synopsis
Hardik Pandya's return to ODI cricket is all but confirmed after the BCCI's CoE gave him a near-clean bill of health ahead of the Afghanistan series. With Kohli ruled out and Rohit's availability still uncertain, India's top-order and all-round balance going into the 2027 World Cup cycle hinges on how these three matches unfold.
Key Takeaways
Hardik Pandya has been 'almost declared fit' by the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru ahead of the Afghanistan ODI series .
He has been at the CoE since 2 June , working on batting, bowling, and fielding; clearance was described as 'a formality'.
Rohit Sharma is also at the CoE; his participation remains subject to a final fitness assessment after a hamstring injury in IPL 2026.
Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the series with a hamstring injury; Yashasvi Jaiswal replaces him in the 15-member squad .
Hardik last played an ODI during India's Champions Trophy win in March 2025 .
The three ODIs are scheduled on 13 June (Dharamsala), 17 June (Lucknow), and 20 June (Chennai).
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been 'almost declared fit' by the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru ahead of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan beginning 13 June in Dharamsala. The clearance ends uncertainty over his participation following a back spasm that disrupted his IPL 2026 campaign with Mumbai Indians.
What the CoE Assessment Found
Pandya arrived at the CoE on 2 June and has been progressing steadily across batting, bowling, and fielding drills. According to a source aware of the development, his clearance was 'more of a formality' given the consistent workload he has managed at the facility. The ODI squad is set to assemble in Dharamsala the following day, with one more assessment day remaining.
Rohit Sharma's Fitness Still Under Watch
Opener Rohit Sharma, who sustained a hamstring injury during IPL 2026 and missed six matches that season, is also at the CoE and his availability for the series remains subject to a final fitness clearance. Rohit last featured in an ODI assignment for India in January 2026.
Kohli Out, Jaiswal Steps In
The series has also been reshaped by the absence of Virat Kohli, who has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's run to the IPL 2026 title last week. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named as his replacement in the 15-member squad.
Why This Series Matters for India
Hardik has not played an ODI since India's Champions Trophy triumph in March 2025, making this a significant comeback for the seam-bowling all-rounder. His return carries added weight as India begin shaping their core group for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. The Afghanistan series offers a low-pressure environment to reintegrate key players and assess combinations.
Series Schedule and What Comes Next
The three ODIs are scheduled on 13 June in Dharamsala, 17 June in Lucknow, and 20 June in Chennai. Notably, the squad for India's upcoming ODI tour of England will be announced after the conclusion of the Afghanistan series, making these matches doubly significant for selection conversations.
Point of View
Rohit, and Kohli all going into a World Cup cycle with injury question marks is not a coincidence, it is a structural issue around IPL scheduling and national team recovery windows. The Afghanistan series, low in competitive intensity, is less a cricket contest and more a controlled rehabilitation environment for India's senior core. The squad selection for the England tour that follows will be the real indicator of how confident the selectors actually are in these players' durability.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Hardik Pandya been cleared to play in the Afghanistan ODI series?
Yes, Hardik Pandya has been 'almost declared fit' by the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and is expected to be available for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan starting 13 June in Dharamsala. He had been managing back spasms that disrupted his IPL 2026 season with Mumbai Indians.
When did Hardik Pandya last play an ODI for India?
Hardik Pandya last played an ODI during India's Champions Trophy campaign in March 2025. The Afghanistan series will mark his return to the 50-over format after more than a year.
Is Rohit Sharma playing in the Afghanistan ODI series?
Rohit Sharma's participation is still subject to a final fitness clearance. He sustained a hamstring injury during IPL 2026 that sidelined him for six matches, and he is currently completing his rehabilitation at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru.
Why has Virat Kohli been ruled out of the Afghanistan ODI series?
Virat Kohli suffered a hamstring injury during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's run to the IPL 2026 title and has been ruled out of the Afghanistan series as a result. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named as his replacement in the squad.
What is the schedule for India's ODI series against Afghanistan?
The three-match series is scheduled on 13 June in Dharamsala, 17 June in Lucknow, and 20 June in Chennai. The squad for India's subsequent ODI tour of England will be selected after this series concludes.
