Hardik Pandya ruled out of India versus Afghanistan series after picking up new injury during rehab

Team India have been dealt another major setback ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya ruled out due to injury. The series, scheduled to begin on June 13 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, marks the start of India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Pandya’s absence comes shortly after Virat Kohli was also ruled out, adding to the team’s concerns. According to recent reports, Pandya has sustained a quadriceps injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for around three weeks. The Mumbai Indians skipper had already endured an injury-hit IPL season, featuring in only 10 matches before missing the latter part of the tournament due to back spasms.

According to India Today, the all-rounder was recently undergoing fitness assessments at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to obtain clearance for the back spasm he suffered during the IPL. However, it is understood that the quadriceps injury may have occurred while he was bowling his full quota of overs during the evaluation process to prove his fitness.