India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has suffered a fresh fitness setback, ruling him out of India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan and delaying his much-anticipated return to international cricket.
The injury has come at a crucial time, as he was nearing full fitness after an extended rehabilitation phase at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Hardik Pandya injury delays India ODI comeback
The Hardik injury is being described as a low-grade leg sprain with mild tenderness, which has forced medical staff to pause his training intensity.
According to BCCI officials, the Hardik Pandya injury is not long-term, but requires rest and controlled rehabilitation, keeping him out of the Afghanistan ODI series.
Pandya was expected to join the squad in Dharamsala on June 11, but the latest setback has postponed his return timeline.
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managed at Bengaluru Centre of Excellence
The Hardik injury is currently being managed at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he will continue recovery under physios and support staff.
Officials have confirmed that he will remain under observation for at least two more weeks as part of his rehabilitation program.
impacts India squad planning
The Hardik Pandya injury has forced India’s team management to reconsider their ODI squad balance ahead of the Afghanistan series.
With Pandya unavailable, Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to play a key role in the all-rounder department.
Other India squad updates alongside Hardik Pandya injury
Alongside the Hardik injury, star batter Virat Kohli will also miss the series due to a tendon injury, while Rohit Sharma has been cleared to join the squad after medical assessment.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named as Kohli’s replacement for the series.