Hardik Pandya CLEARED To Play In Afghanistan ODIs, But Rohit Sharma...

India have received a major boost ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya reportedly being declared fit by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

Pandya was sidelined for four Mumbai Indians matches during IPL 2026 due to back spasms. Though he returned for the final game against the Rajasthan Royals, there were doubts about his all-round fitness for 50-over cricket — the BCCI named him in the squad for the Afghanistan ODIs but put an asterisk beside his name, saying his participation would be subject to medical clearance.

According to PTI, he has completed his rehabilitation programme and is now available for selection for the three-match series beginning in Dharamsala on Saturday.

The report said the 32-year-old reported to the CoE on June 2 after returning from a holiday overseas and underwent an intensive assessment process.

“Over the next five days, he did several match simulations and even bowled (full quota of) 10 overs,” a BCCI source quoted in the report said. “There has been no discomfort, and the information is that his fitness data for various parameters has been okayed by Strength and Conditioning coaches at the CoE.”

The report said it was unclear whether Pandya will join the squad during their preparatory camp in Chandigarh, where the team is after the one-off Test against Afghanistan, or link up directly in Dharamsala as originally planned.

Rohit Sharma update

The report also shared that senior opener Rohit Sharma — another one who needed fitness clearance — has also checked in to the CoE but has yet to get clearance. He is undergoing assessment for the hamstring issue that forced him to miss five matches in IPL 2026.

Rohit also returned for the final quarter of the season, and the MI management deemed him ‘100% fit’ but still, doubts remain over him. There’s hope, however, as India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Monday said he was confident that both Rohit and Pandya will be back for the ODI series.