India all-rounder suffers fresh injury setback during training at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence

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India are likely to be without Hardik Pandya for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after the all-rounder suffered a leg strain while training at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Hardik had been included in India’s ODI squad subject to fitness clearance and was expected to join the team after the completion of the one-off Test against Afghanistan. However, the latest injury setback is set to keep him out of the series, with the BCCI yet to make an official announcement on his availability.

The injury adds to a challenging year for Hardik, who was limited to just 10 appearances for Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026 due to back spasms. Although he returned for the franchise’s final match of the season, concerns over his fitness continue to persist.

India’s team management and selectors have been carefully managing Hardik’s workload as they prepare for a crucial ODI cycle leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. As part of that strategy, he was rested from recent T20I commitments despite being a key figure in India’s recent World Cup successes.

With Hardik sidelined, Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to play a more prominent role in the squad. India will also be hoping captain Rohit Sharma, who is recovering from his own injury concerns, receives fitness clearance ahead of the series.

Hardik remains a vital part of India’s long-term plans, and the management is likely to prioritize his full recovery ahead of a busy international schedule that includes ODI assignments against Afghanistan and England in the coming weeks.