India is set to play three one-day matches against Afghanistan on home soil from 13th June, with just a few days left to complete all the preparation. The Indian cricket team is set to get the star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, as well as star opener Rohit Sharma. The two Mumbai Indians players have been on introspection by the sports science team of the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
A BCCI source said to PTI, “Hardik was on a holiday abroad before he checked in at the CoE on June 2. Over the next five days, he did several match simulations and even bowled (the full quota of) 10 overs.” The source also added, “There has been no discomfort, and the information is that his fitness data for various parameters has been okayed by Strength and Conditioning coaches at the CoE.”
Also Read । World Cup 2026 ticket prices under fire as nearly 1.8 lakh seats hit resale market
Hardik, during the IPL, has missed a few matches because of back spasms, and Rohit missed a few matches because of a hamstring injury. On Monday, India’s assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak mentioned that while he doesn’t have an update on Hardik’s fitness status, he believes the all-rounder is doing well.
Hardik’s return to the ODI side
Hardik remains a vital part of India’s white-ball plans, thanks to the balance he provides with both bat and ball. His ability to contribute with pace bowling and deliver impactful runs in the death overs makes him an indispensable asset to the side.
Also Read । Prasidh Krishna replaces Mohammed Siraj in India squad for Ireland, England T20Is
A major positive for the team is that Hardik has been bowling full 10-over spells during training sessions, indicating that he is fit and prepared for the demands of 50-over cricket.
GOOD NEWS FOR INDIA CRICKET FANS.
Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya passed their fitness tests and are ready for the ODI series against Afghanistan. (Vipul Kashyap). pic.twitter.com/QKoOL7UtCK
— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) June 9, 2026
However, there is still uncertainty over his travel plans. It remains unclear whether Hardik will join the squad in Chandigarh for a floodlit training session or stick to the original schedule and link up with the team directly in Dharamsala.
Virat Kohli set to miss the series
India has already been dealt a setback with star batter Virat Kohli ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury. In his absence, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been drafted into the squad as Kohli’s replacement, providing India with a fresh batting option for the upcoming matches.
India squad for the Afghanistan series
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.
