Hardik Pandya Ruled Out Of India vs Afghanistan ODI Series After Fresh Injury; Virat Kohli Also Unavailable
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Mumbai
- Jun 10, 2026
- 170
Team India (Men) has suffered a major setback ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan (acb) as star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out after sustaining a fresh thigh injury during a fitness assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The injury comes just days before the series opener, scheduled to be played in Dharamsala on June 13.
Hardik Pandya Suffers Fresh Injury During Fitness Test
Hardik Pandya had recently recovered from a back injury that troubled him during IPL 2026 while representing Mumbai Indians. The 32-year-old was undergoing final fitness clearance procedures at the BCCI Centre of Excellence before rejoining the national squad.
According to reports, Pandya suffered a thigh muscle strain during the final phase of the assessment. As part of the evaluation process, he bowled a full ten-over spell to demonstrate his match readiness. The heavy workload after a lengthy layoff is believed to have triggered the new injury.
Sources suggest the all-rounder could require nearly three weeks of recovery and rehabilitation, ruling him out of the entire Afghanistan ODI series.
Team India Faces Injury Concerns Ahead Of Afghanistan Series
Earlier, both Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma had reportedly cleared their fitness tests and were expected to join Team India for the series. However, Pandya's latest injury has forced a change in India's plans.
Rohit Sharma had been recovering from a hamstring problem suffered during IPL 2026, while Pandya was undergoing treatment for back spasms. Both players sustained their injuries while playing for Mumbai Indians.
India vs Afghanistan ODI Series Schedule
The three-match ODI series will be played at three different venues:
- June 13 – Dharamsala
- June 17 – Lucknow
- June 20 – Chennai
The series is expected to play a key role in India's preparations for future international assignments.
Hardik's IPL 2026 Season Interrupted By Injuries
Pandya missed several matches for Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026 because of fitness issues. He eventually returned to action in the franchise's final league-stage match against Rajasthan Royals on May 24.
Despite making a comeback, the latest injury setback has once again delayed his return to international cricket.
Virat Kohli Also Ruled Out Of Afghanistan ODI Series
India had already lost another senior player before the start of the series. Virat Kohli remains unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2026 final.
During the squad announcement, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that Kohli's recovery timeline remains uncertain. Although there is optimism regarding his participation in the upcoming England ODI series, no official confirmation has been provided.
Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included in the squad as Kohli's replacement for the Afghanistan ODI series.
Major Blow For Team India
With both Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli unavailable, Team India will enter the Afghanistan ODI series without two of its most experienced performers. The team management is expected to rely on younger players as India looks to maintain momentum ahead of a busy international season
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