No Hardik Pandya for IND vs AFG ODIs as all-rounder suffers leg sprain

Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the IND vs AFG ODI series after he sustained a mild leg-sprain while recovering at the BCCI's CoE.

In a setback for the Indian cricket team, Hardik Pandya will miss the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan as he has picked up an injury once again. The all-rounder, who checked into the BCCI’s CoE in Bengaluru on June 2, obtained fitness clearance to take part in the 50-over series on Tuesday. However, Pandya has now been advised to refrain from playing the next series as he suffered a leg sprain.

Hardik Pandya to miss IND vs AFG ODIs

As per the Times of India, Hardik has sustained a low-grade, mild leg-sprain due to which he has been advised to spend a couple of more weeks at the BCCI’s CoE in Bengaluru. The all-rounder has been advised by physios and the medical staff to avoid strain or weight bearing for the next few days. The selectors will now have to make a last-minute replacement in the squad for Pandya.

“There has been a very late setback. He sustained a low-grade, mild leg sprain causing some tenderness. It’s nothing long-term, but medical staff advised him to avoid any strain or weight-bearing for the next few days. Hardik will continue to stay in Bengaluru, consulting with CoE physios and trainers during his recovery phase,” a BCCI official told the publication.

Pandya suffered a back injury during IPL 2026 which forced him to miss few matches for Mumbai Indians. After a mini-vacation following the conclusion of the season, Hardik checked into the CoE on June 2 where he did several match situations, and bowled 10 overs. The all-rounder had obtained clearance to return to the 50-over format after over a year after proving his full fitness at the CoE. However, the leg sprain that he has sustained recently will delay his comeback. The next possible series that he could feature in will be against England in July.

“Hardik was on a holiday abroad before he checked in at the CoE on June 2. Over the next five days, he did several match simulations and even bowled (full quota of) 10 overs. There has been no discomfort and the information is that his fitness data for various parameters has been okayed by Strength and Conditioning coaches at the CoE,” a BCCI had told news agency PTI on Tuesday.