Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya cleared fit for Afghanistan ODI series: Sources
By Vipul Kashyap, New Delhi, June 9
India cricket stars Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are set to return to action in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after clearing their fitness assessments, sources told.
According to the sources, both players have successfully passed their fitness tests and are expected to join the national squad shortly ahead of the series.
"Hardik and Rohit are all set to play the ODI series against Afghanistan; both have cleared their fitness test and will soon join the team," sources told ANI.
Earlier, it was reported that senior players Rohit and Hardik's participation in the ODI series against Afghanistan remains dependent on fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).
For those unversed, Rohit and Hardik sustained during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season while playing for the five-time champions Mumbai Indians.
The veteran opener Sharma has been recovering from a lingering hamstring issue, while the star all-rounder is undergoing treatment for persistent back spasms that sidelined him during the latter stages of IPL 2026.
Meanwhile, ace batter Virat Kohli was ruled out due to a hamstring injury, which he sustained during the IPL 2026 final, where the Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their title.
Providing an update on the former India captain, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the exact recovery timeline is yet to be determined.
"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.
In place of Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been added to the ODI squad for the three-match series.
India are scheduled to face Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series beginning in Dharamsala on June 13. The second ODI will be played in Lucknow on June 17, while Chennai will host the final match on June 20.
India's ODI Squad: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see Rohit back, but I worry about Hardik's back issues recurring. Indian cricket needs them both fit for the England series. Hope the BCCI medical team doesn't rush anyone.
Interesting selection - Jaiswal replacing Kohli is a bold move, but the kid has potential. Afghanistan bowling can be tricky in Indian conditions, so hope our top order is ready. #CricketLovers 🇮🇳
Rohit Sharma's experience will be crucial, but let's not forget how Afghanistan upset us in the Asia Cup last year. India should not take this series lightly. Also, why is Shubman Gill captain ahead of Rohit? 🤔
As a Mumbai Indians fan, I'm thrilled to see both our stars fit. Hardik's all-round ability and Rohit's captaincy brain will be missed if they don't play. Looking forward to some sixes in Dharamsala! 🏏
Good news for Indian cricket. But I'm concerned about Virat's timeline - the England series is important. Also, why is Prasidh Krishna still in the squad when he's been inconsistent? Time to give younger pacers a chance.
N Nisha Z Rohit and We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.