Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya cleared for ODIs against Afghanistan?

09 Jun 2026, 08:18 by Vaishnavi Verma · KalingaTV

New Delhi: India has had some good news regarding the fitness levels of senior players Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya just before their three-match ODI series against Afghanistan starts.

Though both were included in the India squad, their actual availability depends on the final medical clearance from the BCCI but the indications are that both are well and are likely to be available to play once they clear the necessary fitness requirements.

With Virat Kohli already out due to a hamstring injury, the uncertainty had surrounded the availability of Rohit Sharma.

The veteran opener was present at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to go through his rehab and the mandatory fitness assessment. He was used as an Impact Substitute through the last few stages of the domestic T20 tournament after sitting out some games with a hamstring injury had to clear all the tests, including running and fielding required by the Board before he returns to international cricket.

Hardik Pandya, according to the news coming in has completed his rehab after recovering from the back spasm and illness and is supposed to have got clearance from the medical department and is also supposed to join the team giving the Indian side much needed balance in terms of batting and bowling.

Another blow for India is that their main player, Virat Kohli, is out due to a hamstring injury that he sustained in the last stages of the domestic T20 competition in May.

The medical scans have revealed a tear in the hamstring tendon of the player which rules him out for a significant amount of time.

With the matches set to be played at Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai, the availability of Rohit Sharma could also impact the Indian batting lineup.

The series would serve as a practice session for the Indian team ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup and also a chance for the new captain Shubman Gill to test and mould his team in the 50-over format.

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya cleared for ODIs against Afghanistan?

Also Read: Virat Kohli ruled out of ODI series against Afghanistan due to hamstring injury