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Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya ruled out of Afghanistan ODIs? Report drops massive bombshell
Sanjeev Kumar | May 19, 2026 1:22 PM CST

Star India National Cricket Team opener Rohit Sharma and premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya are reportedly in doubt for the upcoming ODI series against the Afghanistan National Cricket Team due to fitness concerns.
The two senior cricketers have been struggling with injuries amid the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, and their availability for the 50-over series has now become a major headache for the selection committee. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya's availability remains in doubt for the Afghanistan ODIs As per reports from India Today, both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are yet to receive medical clearance ahead of the ODI series against Afghanistan. The Indian team management is currently awaiting further updates on their recovery before taking a final decision regarding their participation in the series. Rohit Sharma is reportedly still recovering from the right hamstring injury he suffered during the Indian Premier League 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and he has been mainly playing as an Impact Player. Although the veteran opener has resumed light activities, he is yet to complete the high-intensity running and fielding workload needed for ODI selection.
Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, has been dealing with back issues and remains under observation despite progressing well in recovery. He is set to return to action in the coming days, but his availability for the Afghanistan series is subject to fitness clearance. "India Today has learnt that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to take a final call on the inclusion of both Rohit and Hardik, with fitness concerns continuing to be assessed," the report read.   Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya missed several IPL 2026 matches for the Mumbai Indians The injuries to Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya badly affected the Mumbai Indians' campaign in the Indian Premier League 2026 as the five-time champions struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season. Rohit Sharma missed five matches for the Mumbai Indians after sustaining a hamstring injury against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His absence disrupted the stability of the batting unit, especially at the top of the order, where the Mumbai Indians struggled to find momentum consistently.
Hardik Pandya also remained in and out of the side due to recurring fitness troubles and missed four IPL 2026 matches because of back spasm and fitness concerns. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya's ODI statistics Rohit Sharma remains one of the greatest ODI batters in the history of cricket and has continued to dominate the format for nearly two decades. The former India skipper has played 282 ODI matches and scored 11577 runs at an average of 48.84 and a strike-rate of 92.74. The veteran opener has slammed 33 centuries and 61 half-centuries in ODI cricket, with his highest score being the iconic 264. Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, has established himself as one of India's most impactful all-rounders in ODI cricket since making his debut. The right-handed batter has played 94 ODIs and scored 1904 runs at an average of 32.82, with a highest score of 92 not out. Apart from his batting exploits, Hardik Pandya has also made major contributions with the ball for Team India. The pace-bowling all-rounder has picked up 91 wickets in ODI cricket.


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