New Delhi: India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after suffering a fresh hamstring injury during a fitness assessment at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
The setback comes just hours after the 32-year-old successfully cleared his fitness test and was declared available for selection ahead of the series, which begins on June 13.
Injury Comes After Recovery From Back Problem
Pandya had been recovering from a back stiffness issue sustained while playing for the Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026. He had traveled to Bengaluru to obtain final fitness clearance after completing his rehabilitation program.
However, according to reports citing BCCI sources, the all-rounder suffered a strain in his thigh muscle (hamstring) shortly after passing the assessment, ruling him out of the Afghanistan series.
The latest injury is expected to keep Pandya out of action for at least three weeks as he undergoes further recovery and rehabilitation.
Bowling Workload During Fitness Test Believed to Be Cause
Sources familiar with the assessment process said Pandya was in the final phase of his fitness evaluation when he bowled a full quota of 10 overs to test his match readiness.
It is believed that the sudden workload after an extended break placed additional stress on his thigh muscles, leading to the hamstring strain.
The injury comes as a major setback for both the player and Team India, especially after he had successfully completed rehabilitation for his previous back issue.
Rohit Sharma and Hardik Had Been Cleared Fit
Earlier on Tuesday, reports indicated that both captain Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya had passed their respective fitness tests and were expected to join the Indian squad for the ODI series.
Rohit had been dealing with a hamstring issue during IPL 2026, while Pandya was recovering from back stiffness. Both players sustained injuries while representing the Mumbai Indians during the tournament.
The duo had initially been included in India’s ODI squad subject to fitness clearance.
Afghanistan ODI Series Begins June 13
India will host Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series beginning on June 13 in Dharamshala.
The remaining matches are scheduled to be played on:
- June 17 – Lucknow
- June 20 – Chennai
Pandya had missed several matches during IPL 2026 due to injury but returned to action in Mumbai Indians’ final league-stage fixture against Rajasthan Royals on May 24.
His latest injury raises concerns over workload management and could impact India’s plans ahead of upcoming international assignments.
Major Blow for Team India
Pandya remains one of India’s most important white-ball cricketers, contributing significantly as both a middle-order batter and a pace-bowling all-rounder. His absence is expected to force the team management to reconsider its balance ahead of the Afghanistan series.
The BCCI is yet to announce a replacement for the injured all-rounder.