Hardik Pandya Declared Fit Ahead Of Afghanistan ODIs, Bowls Full Quota At CoE

Star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has finally recovered and has been declared fit by the Sports Science team of BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. He is all set to participate in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, which is scheduled to start on Sunday in Dharamsala.

The star all-rounder, who missed a few IPL matches for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2026 due to back spasms, was recovering at the CoE in Bengaluru since June 2. “Hardik was on a holiday abroad before he checked in at the CoE on June 2. Over the next five days, he did several match simulations and even bowled (full quota of) 10 overs,” a BCCI source told PTI.

“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 source added.

Ahead of the ODI series, Team India’s assistant coach, Sitanshu Kotak, said he was unaware of Hardik Pandya’s fitness status but was hopeful the all-rounder was doing well.

Hardik Pandya has reportedly been bowling full spells during training

Hardik Pandya remains a crucial part of India’s white-ball plans, thanks to the balance he provides as a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder. His ability to contribute with the ball and finish games with aggressive batting in the death overs makes him one of the team’s most valuable assets.

In a positive sign for the Indian white-ball setup, Pandya has reportedly been bowling full spells during training, indicating that he is physically prepared for the demands of 50-over cricket. His workload in the nets suggests that fitness concerns are no longer a major issue ahead of the upcoming assignments.

However, there is still no official confirmation on when Pandya will join the squad. He could either link up with the team during their training camp in Chandigarh or travel directly to Dharamsala, which was the initial plan.

Meanwhile, former India captain Rohit Sharma is also at the Centre of Excellence, where he is undergoing assessment for the hamstring injury that troubled him during the IPL. The niggle forced Rohit to miss several matches for the Mumbai Indians, and the medical team is closely monitoring his recovery.