In what is a good news for the India cricket team, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have been cleared by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Tuesday to take part in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. While the Hitman suffered a hamstring injury during IPL 2026, Hardik was down with a back injury, forcing the duo to check into the CoE in Bengaluru and get their fitness evaluated in order to get a green signal to take part in the next series. Both Pandya and Sharma were included in the squad, but their participation was subject to fitness previously.
Rohit Sharma to take part in IND vs AFG ODIs
Rohit reported to the BCCI’s CoE in Bengaluru on June 8 in order to obtain a fitness clearance for the ODI series against Afghanistan. As per a PTI report, the former Indian skipper has been given a go-ahead to take part in the upcoming series after the fitness examination at the centre. Sharma had sustained a hamstring injury mid-way through the IPL 2026 which forced him to miss a few games, following which he was used as an impact player by Mumbai Indians.
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 in which he scored 283 runs from 9 matches, he has categorically stated his desire to be a part of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The IND vs AFG 1st ODI will mark Rohit’s first 50-over format assignment since the game against NZ earlier in January.
Hardik Pandya also cleared
The PTI report also states that Hardik Pandya has been given the green signal by the CoE to make his comeback to ODIs after over a year. The all-rounder sustained a back injury during IPL 2026 and had to miss a few matches. He checked into the CoE on June 2, and did several match situations, and bowled 10 overs following which he has been cleared to take part in the ODI series against Afghanistan.
“Hardik was on a holiday abroad before he checked in at the CoE on June 2. Over the next five days, he did several match simulations and even bowled (full quota of) 10 overs. There has been no discomfort and the information is that his fitness data for various parameters has been okayed by Strength and Conditioning coaches at the CoE,” a BCCI source told the news agency.
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.
Cricket
Ruturaj Gaikwad puts pressure on Ajit Agarkar after joining Rahul Dravid in most List-A centuries tally
