Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya declared fit for Afghanistan ODIs after receiving fitness clearance from CoE

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya Fit for Afghanistan ODIs After CoE Clearance

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya declared - India’s cricket team has confirmed that Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are fully recovered from their injuries and will be available for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting on June 13 in Dharamsala. Both players received clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, marking their return to international duty. This decision follows a period of rest and rehabilitation that kept them sidelined during the IPL 2026 season, with their fitness assessments now completed to the satisfaction of the coaching staff.

"The fitness evaluations have been successful, and both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are ready to contribute to the team," said a BCCI spokesperson. "Their inclusion adds depth and experience to the squad for the crucial ODI series against Afghanistan."

The duo’s return is particularly significant as they had been absent from multiple games due to injuries. Hardik Pandya, who had been dealing with recurring back spasms, joined the CoE in Bengaluru on June 2 after completing his recovery program. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, recovering from a hamstring injury, arrived at the team’s training base on June 8. Their participation was anticipated following initial reports from BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who had hinted at their return just days earlier.

India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, emphasized the importance of the CoE’s rigorous evaluation process in ensuring the players’ readiness. "Both Rohit and Hardik underwent thorough assessments, and their physical condition has improved significantly," Kotak stated during a post-match press conference. "They are now in a position to take on the Afghanistan team, which will be a key test for our strategy in the upcoming series."

Team Strategy and Player Impact

The inclusion of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya in the ODI squad is expected to bolster India’s batting lineup and provide versatility in the middle order. Pandya, known for his all-round skills, will be crucial in both batting and bowling roles, while Sharma’s experience and leadership could anchor the team’s top order. This return allows the squad to maintain its competitive edge as they prepare for a challenging series against Afghanistan, a team that has shown strong performances in recent ICC events.

Rohit Sharma’s absence during the IPL 2026 season had left the Indian team with a void in their batting department, especially in the opening innings. His ability to score runs consistently and lead from the front will be vital in the Afghanistan series, which spans June 13, 17, and 20. Similarly, Hardik Pandya’s presence will add a dynamic element to the team’s gameplay, particularly in the powerplay and death overs where his explosive batting and accurate off-spin can make a difference.

Other Player Updates and Squad Dynamics

While Rohit and Hardik’s fitness has been confirmed, Virat Kohli is set to miss the Afghanistan series due to a hamstring injury sustained in the IPL 2026 final. Kohli, a key figure in India’s batting line-up, will be replaced by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been selected for his adaptability and aggressive style. The absence of Kohli is a setback, but the team is optimistic about Jaiswal’s potential to step up and contribute effectively in the absence of the veteran.

The remaining matches of the India-Afghanistan ODI series will be held in Lucknow on June 17 and Chennai on June 20. These games will be pivotal in determining the team’s form ahead of the next series against England in July. The CoE’s role in assessing players’ fitness remains critical, as it ensures that all international participants are at their peak performance level. The rigorous training and testing regimen at the center have been instrumental in bringing Rohit and Hardik back to the squad in time for this important series.