India could be without senior batter Rohit Sharma for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The former Indian captain is reportedly yet to recover fully from a hamstring injury suffered during IPL 2026.
Rohit was included in India’s ODI squad, but his selection depended on fitness clearance. Recent reports suggest that he has failed to pass the required fitness tests. As a result, his participation in the series remains doubtful.
India Awaiting Hardik Pandya’s Fitness Update
The Indian team is also waiting for an update on all-rounder Hardik Pandya. He suffered a back spasm during the IPL season and recently reported to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The medical staff are currently assessing his condition. Hardik is expected to undergo match simulations and other fitness drills before he can join the national squad.
India are already set to miss another major player. Virat Kohli is likely to be unavailable for the Afghanistan series because of a hamstring injury. The star batter picked up the injury after enjoying a successful IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The BCCI has not yet officially confirmed the absence of either Rohit or Virat. However, reports suggest that both players are unlikely to take part in the series.
According to NDTV Sports, Rohit has not fully recovered from the injury that affected his IPL campaign. He missed several matches for Mumbai Indians and returned only towards the end of the tournament. Even then, he featured mainly as an impact player, raising concerns about his fitness for full matches.
India have also rested key bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj to manage their workload. Experienced all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are also missing from the squad.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has instead backed young players such as Harsh Dubey, Prince Yadav, and Gurnoor Brar for the ODI series, which begins on June 13 in Dharamsala.
