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The Centre of Excellence (CoE) has issued its final assessment on Hardik Pandya’s fitness, confirming that the Indian all-rounder is fully fit to play. With India set to face Afghanistan beginning June 13, this verdict brings significant relief to the team management and fans alike.

Team management has already received the official clearance certificate. The latest Hardik Pandya injury update is positive, confirming that he will be available for selection in the upcoming series.

Hardik had previously missed several IPL matches due to a back spasm. Representing the Mumbai Indians, he made a comeback for the final league match before the playoffs. His absence during the tournament had raised concerns, but a complete recovery has now been confirmed after a thorough evaluation by the CoE. The medical team’s review was comprehensive, ensuring that Hardik’s back is fully healed and strong enough for international competition.

As India prepares for the Afghanistan series, Hardik’s availability becomes vital. His all-round contribution—both with the bat and ball—remains a key factor in maintaining team balance. With the ODI World Cup 2027 on the horizon, maintaining his fitness is seen as crucial for India’s long-term plans.

The upcoming Afghanistan series thus arrives at an ideal time, offering valuable match practice and preparation opportunities ahead of larger tournaments.

Other Players’ Fitness Updates

Meanwhile, fitness concerns continue for other Indian players. Rohit Sharma’s medical report is still awaited. The former captain has been struggling with a hamstring issue sustained during IPL 2026. While similar in nature to Hardik’s situation, the injury affects a different muscle group.

Rohit is expected to undergo fitness tests shortly before the Afghanistan series begins. However, uncertainty remains about his availability, and there is a possibility he might miss a few matches depending on the final assessment.

Virat Kohli, on the other hand, has been ruled out of the entire series due to a hamstring tear suffered during the IPL final, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched the championship. Although surgery is not required, Kohli will need around six weeks of recovery time, ruling him out of the Afghanistan fixtures—a major setback for India given his expected participation.

Impact of Hardik Pandya’s Fitness Clearance

The positive verdict on Hardik’s condition is a major boost for India. His inclusion restores the team’s all-round balance, enhances bowling variety, and strengthens the batting lineup. However, ongoing injury concerns among other players remain a challenge for the selectors.

Fast bowler Harshit Rana is dealing with a ligament strain and might only be available around June 17, after the ODI series has already commenced. His inclusion would depend on recovery progress, potentially making him a late addition if cleared.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy is also on the injury list, having sustained a hairline fracture during his IPL stint with Kolkata Knight Riders. His participation in the upcoming series remains uncertain. With multiple players undergoing rehabilitation, India’s three-match ODI series against Afghanistan could test the team’s depth and adaptability.

While Hardik Pandya’s recovery brings optimism, the overall situation remains complex due to other key absences. Team India will face selection dilemmas, though Afghanistan remains a beatable opponent. Despite the setbacks, India is expected to manage the challenge with its available resources.