In a major blow to Team India, Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan due to a leg injury. The all-rounder had initially received clearance from Bengaluru’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) after completing a week of drills and fitness assessments, but a late setback has now forced him to withdraw from the June fixtures. Sources within the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) confirmed that Hardik will remain at the CoE to continue his rehabilitation.
“Hardik had initially passed all the necessary tests and was given the clearance. But a late setback has ruled him out of the Afghanistan series. He suffered a quadriceps strain and has been advised for close to two weeks,” the source confirmed to Hindustan Times Digital.
“He will be staying at the CoE to continue with his recovery process,” he added.
It remains to be seen whether the team management and selection committee will name a replacement for the 32-year-old. His participation in the ODI series against England in July is also under the scanner.
Some members of the Indian ODI squad are expected to link up with the side in Mohali on Wednesday and take part in an optional training session at the IS Bindra Stadium before departing for Dharamsala on Thursday. Rohit Sharma has been cleared to feature in the ODI series, while Virat Kohli has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Yashasvi Jaiswal has already been confirmed as the replacement for the former India captain.
