Fast bowler returns after missing the T20 World Cup and IPL 2026; Hardik Pandya remains unavailable

India have added fast bowler Harshit Rana to their squad for the third ODI against Afghanistan after the pacer completed his recovery from knee surgery.

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Rana had been sidelined since February after suffering a knee injury during India’s warm-up match against South Africa ahead of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. The injury ruled him out of the global tournament, and he subsequently underwent surgery, forcing him to miss IPL 2026 for Kolkata Knight Riders as well.

Meanwhile, allrounder Hardik Pandya was absent from the updated squad, although the BCCI has not released an official statement regarding his fitness. Reports suggest Hardik suffered a leg strain while training at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru before the start of the Afghanistan series.

India have already sealed the three-match ODI series, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead after victories in Dharamsala and Lucknow.

Updated India squad for third ODI vs Afghanistan

Shubman Gill (capt), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer (vice-capt), KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harshit Rana.