Reports: Ajit Agarkar was clueless on Bumrah’s fitness, Hardik Pandya’s bowling a big headache in ODIs

The BCCI held a review meeting on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in Mumbai to examine critical issues affecting the Indian cricket team. The meeting brought together BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman.

The agenda focused on injury management and preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with particular attention to communication gaps and fitness concerns that have emerged in recent weeks.

Communication breakdown over Bumrah’s fitness status

A significant breakdown in communication came to light regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the Sri Lanka tour. As reported by Dainik Bhaskar, Agarkar was not informed of Bumrah’s unavailability before the squad for the Sri Lanka Tests was selected.

“Just days before selecting the team for the Sri Lanka tour, even the chief selector didn’t know that Jasprit Bumrah wasn’t fit. He had even sent an email about this,” the report mentioned.

The chief selector had to send an email to the Centre of Excellence seeking clarity on Bumrah’s absence. Agarkar was informally told that Bumrah would be fit for at least one or two Tests in Sri Lanka, but the lack of formal communication created confusion at the selection table.

Bumrah was included in the Afghanistan T20I squad subject to fitness clearance from the Centre of Excellence. He is scheduled for a fitness test on September 9, 2026, along with Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana.

Hardik Pandya’s ODI workload remains a concern

Hardik Pandya‘s fitness remains a concern for the team management. According to reports, he can’t bowl more than five or six overs in ODIs. Hardik is crucial for the ODI World Cup 2027, but his fitness continues to be a headache for the team management and selectors.

“Hardik Pandya’s fitness remains a concern for the team management. Reports say he can’t bowl more than five or six overs in ODIs. Hardik is crucial for the ODI World Cup, but his fitness continues to be a headache for the team management and selectors,” the report added.

The Afghanistan T20I series, scheduled for September 13-17, 2026, at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, served as an important checkpoint for India’s squad management. The fitness tests on September 9 determined which players were available for selection.

The review meeting on September 3 highlighted the need for better coordination between the selection committee and the Centre of Excellence to prevent similar communication lapses in the future.