India have suffered a significant setback ahead of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya ruled out due to injury, according to sources. Pandya was initially declared fit by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and had submitted his fitness report before the team’s departure. However, he reportedly experienced fresh discomfort during his final training session, forcing him out of the squad.
The ODI series against Afghanistan is scheduled to begin on June 13 in Dharamsala, followed by matches in Lucknow on June 17 and Chennai on June 20. Pandya’s absence leaves India without one of their most influential white-ball players, affecting the team’s balance with both bat and ball.
The injury concern adds to India’s growing fitness worries. Captain Rohit Sharma has also been recovering from a hamstring issue, while Virat Kohli has already been ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final.
Pandya had previously battled back spasms during IPL 2026 and was expected to make his return for the Afghanistan series. The BCCI is yet to announce an official replacement, while team management continues to monitor the fitness of other key players ahead of the series.
