Blab Sports
Hardik Pandya Cleared for Afghanistan ODI Series After Fitness Assessment at BCCI Centre of Excellence
After a rigorous five‑day assessment at the BCCI’s high‑tech hub, Hardik Pandya has been cleared to take the field against Afghanistan.
The 32‑year‑old all‑rounder, who missed several matches for the Mumbai Indians during the 2026 Indian Premier League because of back spasms, completed a comprehensive fitness evaluation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. He arrived on 2 June after a holiday abroad and spent the next five days engaging in match simulations and bowling a full quota of ten overs in training sessions.
According to a BCCI source who spoke to PTI, Pandya reported no discomfort, and the Strength and Conditioning coaches at the CoE approved his fitness data for all relevant parameters. The assistant coach of the Indian team, Sitanshu Kotak, said on 8 June that he did not have a formal update on Pandya’s fitness status but believed the all‑rounder was doing fine. Kotak’s comments were made before the official clearance was released.
Pandya’s role in India’s white‑ball setup is significant. His ability to bowl a full ten‑over spell during training indicates he is ready for the demands of a 50‑over match, while his aggressive batting in the death overs provides balance to the lineup.
It remains unclear whether Pandya will join the Indian squad in Chandigarh for a lights‑training session before the series or will travel directly to Dharamsala, the venue originally planned for the team’s preparation.
While Pandya’s fitness is now confirmed, former India captain Rohit Sharma is also at the CoE to have his hamstring niggle assessed. Sharma had been sidelined for several matches in the IPL because of the same issue.
The BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, located in Bengaluru, is a state‑of‑the‑art facility that houses world‑class training pitches and sports‑science equipment. The centre’s role is to provide comprehensive fitness and performance support to national players.
With the clearance in place, India’s squad for the Afghanistan series will include Pandya. The series will be played over three ODIs, with the first match scheduled for 14 June in Dharamsala. The Indian team’s preparation will likely involve a combination of on‑field training in Chandigarh and acclimatization in Dharamsala.
The series is important for India’s white‑ball campaign as it offers an opportunity to test the squad against a competitive side in a high‑altitude venue. The inclusion of Pandya, who has been a key contributor in past series, strengthens the team’s balance.
In summary, Hardik Pandya has been cleared for international duty after a thorough assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. He is expected to travel to Dharamsala for the Afghanistan ODI series that starts on 14 June 2026. The Indian squad will continue to prepare in Chandigarh and Dharamsala, while Rohit Sharma remains at the CoE for his hamstring assessment. The upcoming matches will determine how the team performs with the newly cleared all‑rounder in the lineup.
The 32‑year‑old all‑rounder, who missed several matches for the Mumbai Indians during the 2026 Indian Premier League because of back spasms, completed a comprehensive fitness evaluation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. He arrived on 2 June after a holiday abroad and spent the next five days engaging in match simulations and bowling a full quota of ten overs in training sessions.
According to a BCCI source who spoke to PTI, Pandya reported no discomfort, and the Strength and Conditioning coaches at the CoE approved his fitness data for all relevant parameters. The assistant coach of the Indian team, Sitanshu Kotak, said on 8 June that he did not have a formal update on Pandya’s fitness status but believed the all‑rounder was doing fine. Kotak’s comments were made before the official clearance was released.
Pandya’s role in India’s white‑ball setup is significant. His ability to bowl a full ten‑over spell during training indicates he is ready for the demands of a 50‑over match, while his aggressive batting in the death overs provides balance to the lineup.
It remains unclear whether Pandya will join the Indian squad in Chandigarh for a lights‑training session before the series or will travel directly to Dharamsala, the venue originally planned for the team’s preparation.
While Pandya’s fitness is now confirmed, former India captain Rohit Sharma is also at the CoE to have his hamstring niggle assessed. Sharma had been sidelined for several matches in the IPL because of the same issue.
The BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, located in Bengaluru, is a state‑of‑the‑art facility that houses world‑class training pitches and sports‑science equipment. The centre’s role is to provide comprehensive fitness and performance support to national players.
With the clearance in place, India’s squad for the Afghanistan series will include Pandya. The series will be played over three ODIs, with the first match scheduled for 14 June in Dharamsala. The Indian team’s preparation will likely involve a combination of on‑field training in Chandigarh and acclimatization in Dharamsala.
The series is important for India’s white‑ball campaign as it offers an opportunity to test the squad against a competitive side in a high‑altitude venue. The inclusion of Pandya, who has been a key contributor in past series, strengthens the team’s balance.
In summary, Hardik Pandya has been cleared for international duty after a thorough assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. He is expected to travel to Dharamsala for the Afghanistan ODI series that starts on 14 June 2026. The Indian squad will continue to prepare in Chandigarh and Dharamsala, while Rohit Sharma remains at the CoE for his hamstring assessment. The upcoming matches will determine how the team performs with the newly cleared all‑rounder in the lineup.
