India’s preparations for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting on June 13, have suffered another setback. After Virat Kohli’s absence, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is now also set to miss the entire series due to a quadriceps strain. The injury is expected to keep the 32-year-old out of action for around two to three weeks, making his participation in the matches at Dharamshala, Lucknow, and Chennai highly unlikely.
The development comes as a surprise because Pandya had recently cleared fitness assessments and was preparing for a return to India’s ODI setup. Following a back issue during IPL 2026, he underwent rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and had reportedly completed bowling workloads successfully before the latest injury concern emerged.
Fresh Injury Changes Team India’s Plans
According to reports, medical evaluations revealed a quadriceps strain shortly after Pandya was initially considered fit for selection. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that his rehabilitation timeline will not allow him to regain full fitness before the Afghanistan series concludes.
The setback leaves India without one of its most valuable white-ball players. Pandya’s ability to contribute as a middle-order power hitter and a reliable pace-bowling option has often provided balance to the team, making his absence difficult to replace.
Bigger Impact Than Just One Missing Player
Hardik’s injury creates a selection challenge for the team management. With limited seam-bowling all-rounder options available, India may need to alter its combination or provide opportunities to emerging players during the series.
The Afghanistan ODIs are also being viewed as part of India’s long-term preparation cycle for future ICC tournaments. As a result, the series could become an important platform for fringe players looking to strengthen their case for regular selection.
ODI Series Schedule
The three-match ODI series between India and Afghanistan will be played as follows:
- June 13 – Dharamshala
- June 17 – Lucknow
- June 20 – Chennai
The Indian team will be led by Shubman Gill.
Long Wait for an ODI Return Continues
Hardik Pandya last played an ODI for India in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy, where India defeated New Zealand to lift the title. Since then, fitness concerns and injury-related setbacks have kept him out of several ODI assignments, including series against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.
With this latest injury, the wait for his return to India’s ODI side is set to continue. For the team management, the recurring fitness issues surrounding one of India’s premier all-rounders remain a concern as the international calendar becomes increasingly demanding. :::
