Hardik Pandya’s comeback to ODI cricket was virtually complete. After spending a week at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, the all-rounder had successfully gone through high-intensity training sessions, match simulations and fitness assessments.
But according to a report by The Times of India, the 32-year-old suffered a quadricep strain just hours before he was scheduled to leave for Dharamsala, forcing him out of the upcoming Afghanistan ODI series and delaying his return to the format once again. He last featured in the 50-over format at the ICC Men’s ODI Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand.
The latest injury has already ruled him out of the Afghanistan assignment, but it has also created uncertainty over his availability for India’s ODI tour of England next month.
How Hardik Pandya’s comeback plans suddenly changed
Hardik Pandya checked into the Centre of Excellence on June 2, not because he was undergoing rehabilitation but because he wanted access to the facility’s training environment ahead of the Afghanistan series.
With the Wankhede Stadium occupied by the T20 Mumbai League, Pandya chose to prepare in Bengaluru, where he had access to specialist coaches, net bowlers, side-arm throwdown experts and advanced workload monitoring systems.
The all-rounder reportedly completed a week of high-intensity training, including match simulations and bowling workloads. In fact, he had already impressed the medical staff with his progress and was preparing to travel to Dharamsala on June 11.
However, just before his scheduled departure, Pandya experienced discomfort in his quadricep and immediately informed the medical team. Scans were conducted and later reviewed by renowned sports surgeon Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala. The diagnosis revealed a quadricep strain, requiring at least two weeks of recovery.
England ODIs now become the big question
For now, Pandya will remain at the CoE and continue rehabilitation under the supervision of the BCCI medical team. The plan is for him to resume light jogging and running later this week before gradually returning to full-intensity net sessions.
The big concern for India is whether this setback could affect his participation in the ODI series against England, which begins on July 14.
While the current recovery timeline hint that Pandya should be available, selectors are expected to closely monitor his progress before finalising the squad. A decision on whether he is picked outright or selected subject to fitness clearance could be taken when the selection committee meets in the coming days. With the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee focusing on ODIs with the big tournament coming up next year, Pandya is set to be a main part of the 50-over plans. His involvement will be minimal in T20Is since they want to manage his workload.
India’s upcoming ODI fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 2026 | 1st ODI – India vs Afghanistan | Dharamsala | 1:30 PM |
| June 17, 2026 | 2nd ODI – India vs Afghanistan | Lucknow | 1:30 PM |
| June 20, 2026 | 3rd ODI – India vs Afghanistan | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 1:30 PM |
| July 14, 2026 | 1st ODI – England vs India | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 3:30 PM |
| July 16, 2026 | 2nd ODI – England vs India | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | 5:30 PM |
| July 19, 2026 | 3rd ODI – England vs India | Lord’s, London | 3:30 PM |
Cricket
Rohit Sharma starts IND vs AFG ODI preparations, shows no signs of injury in Mohali practice session
