India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after suffering a fresh leg injury setback, dealing a significant blow to the national side ahead of a busy international calendar. The injury comes after Pandya had initially been cleared by the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru following a week of fitness drills and medical assessments.

However, just as he was expected to return to full competitive readiness, he sustained a quadriceps strain that has forced him out of the June fixtures, sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said. According to officials, the all-rounder will remain at the Bengaluru Centre of Excellence for continued rehabilitation and monitoring.

Medical staff have advised a recovery period of nearly two weeks, effectively ruling him out of immediate selection contention.  The setback has also raised concerns over his long-term fitness management ahead of a packed international schedule. The BCCI has not yet confirmed whether a replacement will be named for the Afghanistan ODIs, leaving the team management to reassess squad balance in his absence.

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Pandya’s role as a seam-bowling all-rounder has been central to India’s limited-overs setup, and his unavailability is expected to impact both batting depth and bowling flexibility. The injury also casts uncertainty over his availability for the upcoming ODI series against England in July, with selectors expected to closely monitor his recovery progress before making any decision on future participation.

His condition will be reassessed once he completes the initial rehabilitation phase at the Centre of Excellence. Meanwhile, preparations for the Afghanistan series continue, with several members of the Indian squad assembling in Mohali for an optional training session before travelling to Dharamsala. Rohit Sharma has been cleared to feature in the series, while Virat Kohli has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury, with Yashasvi Jaiswal named as his replacement in the squad structure.

Also Read: BCCI's Centre of Excellence Clears Hardik Pandya to Play ODI Series Against Afghanistan