3 players who could replace Hardik Pandya for IND vs AFG ODI series

3 players who could replace Hardik Pandya in IND vs AFG ODIs. (Photo source: BCCI)

Team India have suffered a big blow ahead of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya ruled out due to injury.

Pandya is one of India’s most important players in the format, as he contributes with both bat and ball and adds balance to the team. His absence will force the selectors to look for a replacement who can step up and fill the gap in the squad.

Here are three players who could replace Hardik Pandya in ODIs: 

3. Auqib Nabi 

The right-arm pace all-rounder from Jammu and Kashmir, Auqib Nabi remains one of the strongest contenders to replace injured Hardik Pandya in India’s ODI squad. Nabi is primarily known for his bowling, and was in tremendous form in the domestic circuit. His heroics in the Ranji Trophy are well known, but he was equally good in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 this year.

The 29-year-old picked up 14 wickets in just seven matches for his side. In the same season, he also smashed an unbeaten century against Hyderabad, becoming only third Indian player to score a century batting at No. 8 at lower in 50-overs game.

2. Saransh Jain

The 33-year-old all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh, Saransh Jain is one of the most experienced all-rounders going around in domestic cricket and for India A. Saransh has played 47 List-A matches so far, scoring 553 runs with the bat with a strike rate of 80.37, while also picking up 38 wickets with the ball. If the Indian team wants to go with an experienced campaigner to replace Hardik, the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder can be considered.

1. Shivam Dube

The tall all-rounder from Mumbai, Shivam Dube is likely to replace Hardik Pandya for the three-match ODI series. With proven International experience under his belt, Dube can give a balance to the side with his all-round presence. He last played an ODI match for India in August 2024 against Sri Lanka, and will be eager to make his return to the format. Shivam has played four ODIs for India so far, scoring just 43 runs with the bat, while picking up a solitary wicket with the ball.

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