Rohit Sharma Undergoes Fitness Tests Ahead of Afghanistan ODI Series
India star Rohit Sharma has reported to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. The veteran opener is currently undergoing fitness assessments after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during IPL 2026.
Rohit suffered the injury while representing Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026. The setback forced him to miss a few matches during the tournament, while in other games he was used primarily as an Impact Player to manage his workload and aid his recovery.
Despite the injury concerns, Rohit was named in India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. However, his participation remains dependent on receiving fitness clearance from the medical staff at the Centre of Excellence before he can join the national team.
According to reports, Rohit checked into the CoE on Monday and will spend the next few days completing a series of fitness and cricket-specific tests. The former Indian captain was initially expected to travel with the rest of the squad to Mullanpur on June 9, but those plans have been put on hold pending the outcome of his assessment.
As part of the evaluation process, a separate group of bowlers has reportedly been arranged to bowl to Rohit in the nets. The sessions are designed to test his movement, batting rhythm, and overall readiness for competitive cricket after spending time away from full match action.
Rohit Sharma Undergoes Fitness Assessment at COE
A source had earlier revealed that Rohit was scheduled to remain at the CoE for three days, with multiple training sessions lined up. One of the key assessments includes batting under lights, allowing the support staff to closely monitor his fitness levels in conditions similar to those he will face during international matches.
If everything goes according to plan, Rohit is expected to join the Indian squad in Dharamshala on June 11, just two days before the opening ODI against Afghanistan on June 13. The next few days will therefore be crucial in determining his availability for the series.
Rohit has been one of India’s most consistent performers in ODI cricket since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Although his IPL 2026 campaign was below his usual standards, the opener has repeatedly expressed his ambition to continue playing until the 2027 ODI World Cup, making his fitness a major point of focus for both the player and the team management.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak recently commented on the situation, stating that he had not received official confirmation regarding Rohit’s clearance but remained optimistic. Kotak suggested that both Rohit and Hardik Pandya appeared to be progressing well and were expected to be available once the required fitness protocols were completed.
Meanwhile, India have already suffered a setback with Virat Kohli being ruled out of the Afghanistan ODI series due to injury. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named as his replacement in the squad. On a positive note for the hosts, Hardik Pandya has successfully cleared his fitness tests at the CoE after recovering from a back injury sustained during IPL 2026 and is available for selection for the Afghanistan series.