Hardik Pandya Cleared by BCCI CoE, Set to Play Afghanistan ODI Series

Hardik Pandya has been declared fit by the BCCI's Centre of Excellence and is available for India's three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The all-rounder suffered a back injury during IPL 2026 and underwent fitness tests at the centre on June 2. Although there were concerns about his availability, he has now received clearance to play in the series.

According to Dainik Jagran, Hardik Pandya has successfully cleared his fitness tests at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence. The officials have submitted a positive fitness report to the BCCI, paving the way for his return to action. Pandya last played an ODI for India in March 2025. The all-rounder obtaining fitness clearance comes a relief for Team India, who are already dealing with injuries to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Pandya was last seen in action during the IPL 2026. He had a sub-par season as a player and an even more miserable one as captain.

Hardik Pandya scored 206 runs and took four wickets in IPL 2026. However, Mumbai Indians finished ninth on the points table and missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. Reports also claimed that Pandya was under mental stress and had informed the franchise of his desire to part ways with the team.

Pandya has played 94 ODIs for India, scoring 1,904 runs at an average of 32.82 and taking 91 wickets.  There were a lot of questions on if Hardik can bowl 10 overs and if his body can cope with the challenges of playing a 50-over game. It remains to be seen how he will fare in the seies against Afghanistan.

India’s squad for Afghanistan ODI series: Shubman Gill (c),  Shreyas Iyer (vc),  Virat Kohli,  KL Rahul (wk), Rohit Sharma*, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya*, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey