India cricket team star Rohit Sharma has reported at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru ahead of the series against Afghanistan. The former Indian captain sustained a hamstring injury during IPL 2026, which saw him miss a few games for Mumbai Indians while he was used as an impact player for the rest of the games. While the Hitman has been included in the squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, it is subject to whether he can prove his fitness.
Will Rohit Sharma get fitness clearance for AFG ODIs?
As per RevSportz, Rohit Sharma checked into the BCCI’s CoE in Bengaluru on Monday in order to obtain a fitness clearance for the ODI series against Afghanistan. The former Indian skipper was initially scheduled to travel with the rest of the ODI squad to Mullanpur on June 9 to prepare for the upcoming series. However, Sharma will have to obtain clearance from the CoE first before joining the rest of the team. As per the report, a different set of bowlers has been called on Monday to bowl to Rohit at the nets in the CoE.
“Yes, Rohit is supposed to report to the CoE on June 8. He should be there for three days and has a few sessions lined up, including batting under lights on one ground. He will then join the Indian team in Dharamshala on June 11, two days ahead of the first ODI against Afghanistan on June 13,” a source told the Times of India earlier last week.
Focus on Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma has been one of India’s leading run-getters in the 50-over format since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While he delivered a sub-par performance in IPL 2026, a campaign in which he has categorically stated his desire to be a part of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The ODI series between India and Afghanistan is scheduled to start from June 13, which leaves the Hitman with five days to obtain the fitness clearance from the CoE.
“I have honestly not got the news whether they have been cleared or not. But I’m sure they will be there. Whatever I heard, they are fine, so… but they have to go and do that fitness test or whatever the rule is,” India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said after the IND vs AFG one-off Test about Rohit and Hardik’s availability for the ODI series.
It is pertinent to point out that Virat Kohli has already been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. He will be replaced by Yashasvi Jaiswal in the squad, as confirmed on Saturday by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya – who sustained a back injury during IPL 2026 – has obtained a green signal from the CoE to take part in the Afghanistan series after proving his full fitness last week.
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