India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has reportedly been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after suffering a last-minute injury setback despite receiving fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya (PC: IANS)
India have suffered a significant setback ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya ruled out due to an injury, sources confirmed to ANI.
Pandya had earlier been declared fit by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) and had even submitted his fitness report before the team’s scheduled departure. However, a fresh fitness concern after his final training session has forced him out of the series.
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According to sources, Pandya was cleared by the CoE before experiencing discomfort during his final session.
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“He was declared fit by the CoE and sent his fitness report to the Board two days before, but after his final session before leaving the CoE, he had some issues regarding his fitness,” a source told ANI.
The nature and extent of the latest setback have not yet been officially disclosed.
Pandya’s absence adds to India’s growing injury concerns ahead of an important stretch of international cricket.
Earlier, senior players Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya were awaiting fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence after sustaining injuries during the IPL 2026 season while representing Mumbai Indians.
Rohit has been recovering from a lingering hamstring issue, while Pandya had been undergoing treatment for persistent back spasms that sidelined him during the latter stages of the tournament.
Also Read: India receive major boost as Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya return for Afghanistan ODI series: Report
Meanwhile, star batter Virat Kohli has already been ruled out of the Afghanistan ODI series after suffering a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final, in which Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their title.
Providing an update on Kohli’s recovery, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the medical team is still assessing the timeline for his return.
“With Virat at this point, I think it’s just what has been less than a week since he injured himself in the final (IPL 2026), so they’ll probably assess. We don’t know the timelines yet, but it looks like he might be fit for that England ODI series. But again, it’s not a definitive answer, so don’t hold me to it. We haven’t had a clear timeline from the physio yet,” Agarkar said.
Also Read: Virat Kohli to miss Afghanistan ODI series with hamstring injury, Rohit Sharma faces fitness race
In Kohli’s absence, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included in India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against Afghanistan.
The series begins in Dharamsala on June 13, followed by the second ODI in Lucknow on June 17 and the final match in Chennai on June 20.
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