India’s preparations for the ODI series against Afghanistan have suffered another major setback. After Virat Kohli was ruled out, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is also expected to miss the series due to an injury concern.
Hardik Pandya has been struggling with fitness issues since IPL 2026. The Mumbai Indians star missed the final phase of the team’s campaign and has continued his recovery process in the weeks that followed.
According to reports, the all-rounder needs additional time to regain full fitness. As a result, he is unlikely to be available for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan.
His absence leaves India without one of their most experienced white-ball cricketers. With Virat Kohli already unavailable and doubts remaining over Rohit Sharma’s fitness, the team management may have to place greater trust in younger players.
The Afghanistan series is considered an important part of India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The selectors will be keen to identify the right combination and build squad depth despite the growing injury concerns.
The BCCI has not yet announced an official replacement for Hardik Pandya. The three-match ODI series will begin in Dharamsala before moving to Lucknow and Chennai.
