Hardik Pandya asked to obtain fitness clearance ahead of ODI series

Hardik Pandya. (Photo Source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Hardik Pandya, whose selection in the Indian team for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan is subject to fitness, is slated to reach the BCCI Centre of Excellence on June 02 to obtain a nod from the medical team before taking part for India. Hardik has been asked to prove himself through fitness drills and match simulations over the upcoming week before getting the green signal to play the ODIs.

Meanwhile, former captain Rohit Sharma is also supposed to prove his match fitness ahead of the series, but there is currently no information available regarding his schedule with the team at CoE, according to reports. Rohit last appeared publicly for the opening ceremony for the T20 Mumbai League 2026 on June 01.

According to TOI, the first ODI of the three-match series, originally scheduled to take place on June 14, has now been rescheduled and will be played on June 13. This encounter will be played at the picturesque venue of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala after the one-off Test between the two Asian sides in New Chandigarh from June 06-10.

In other news, Jammu & Kashmir pace bowler Auqib Nabi, who caught everyone’s attention after his record 60-wicket run at the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, is also likely to be added to the Indian Test squad as a backup player. The selectors are willing to offer Nabi a taste of the environment of the dressing room and team culture before picking him for the main squad in future.

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