Hardik Pandya Ruled Out of Afghanistan ODI Series After Fresh Injury Setback

According to the Times of India, Hardik Pandya has suffered a mild leg sprain. As a result, he has been advised to stay at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a couple more weeks to complete his recovery. The all-rounder has been advised by physios and the medical staff to avoid strain or weight bearing for the next few days. The selectors will now have to make a last-minute replacement in the squad for Pandya.

“There has been a very late setback. He sustained a low-grade, mild leg sprain causing some tenderness. It’s nothing long-term, but medical staff advised him to avoid any strain or weight-bearing for the next few days. Hardik will continue to stay in Bengaluru, consulting with CoE physios and trainers during his recovery phase,” a BCCI official told the publication.

Hardik Pandya had suffered a back injury during IPL 2026, which forced him to miss a few matches for Mumbai Indians. After taking a short break following the season, he reported to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence on June 2, where he underwent training, participated in match-simulation drills, and bowled 10 overs.

The all-rounder had obtained clearance to return to the 50-over format after over a year after proving his full fitness at the CoE. However, the leg sprain that he has sustained recently will delay his comeback. The next possible series that he could feature in will be against England in July.

“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. 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,” a BCCI had told news agency PTI on Tuesday.