India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after suffering a niggle in his leg, dealing a setback to the hosts ahead of the assignment beginning later this week.
Pandya, 32, had been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru since June 2 and was expected to receive fitness clearance for the series, which begins in Dharamshala on June 13 before moving to Lucknow and Chennai.
The seam-bowling all-rounder, who missed several matches for Mumbai Indians during the 2026 Indian Premier League season due to back spasms, had resumed batting, bowling and fielding drills at full intensity during his recovery programme.
However, a fresh injury concern has now put his participation in doubt.
“Hardik Pandya was close to being fully cleared by the Centre of Excellence for the ODI series against Afghanistan. But he has picked up a slight niggle in his leg and will require a few weeks of recovery,” an official told IANS on Wednesday.
“This late setback means he remains short of full fitness for the ODI series and will now focus on recovering from his latest injury at the Centre of Excellence,” the official added.
Pandya’s absence would leave India without one of their most experienced pace-bowling all-rounders as they continue preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
A key figure in India’s limited-overs setup, Pandya has played 94 one-day internationals but has not featured in the format since India’s triumph at the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The injury also raises questions over his availability for India’s three-match ODI series in England, scheduled from July 14 to July 19.
India have already been forced into one change for the Afghanistan series after Virat Kohli was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named as his replacement.
Selectors could now turn to Shivam Dube as cover for Pandya. Dube has played four ODIs, while fellow seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is already part of the squad, has also featured in four matches in the format.
-IANS
