Hardik Pandya Cleared For Afghanistan ODI Series After Fitness Tests

Bengaluru:  Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been officially cleared by medical staff to participate in the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan.

The green light comes as a massive relief for the national team management following intense speculation surrounding his physical match-readiness.  Pandya had been stationed at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru since June 2 to undergo rigorous rehabilitation and evaluation.

The dynamic all-rounder’s availability was thrown into serious doubt after he missed multiple matches during the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season due to a recurring and acute back spasm. His prolonged absence had raised alarm bells ahead of India's packed home winter schedule.  However, sources within the BCCI confirmed that the Sports Science team and Strength and Conditioning coaches have fully approved his biometric data. Over a grueling five-day evaluation period, Pandya successfully participated in high-intensity match simulations. Crucially, he bowled his full quota of 10 overs at maximum velocity without reporting any lingering discomfort or structural pain.

 The clearance provides a significant tactical boost to a transitional Indian squad that is already dealing with the absence of veteran batsman Virat Kohli due to a severe hamstring injury. Pandya's ability to balance the side as a genuine fifth bowling option gives the team crucial flexibility in the white-ball format.  The highly anticipated bilateral ODI series between India and Afghanistan is scheduled to kick off on June 13, with the opening fixture set to take place under lights in the picturesque stadium of Dharamsala. The Indian squad will assemble for their final preparatory training sessions later this week