Hardik Pandya’s Comeback Hits Another Roadblock: New Injury Rules Him Out of Afghanistan ODIs

Just when it seemed Hardik Pandya was close to returning, another injury pushed him back.

The star all-rounder has picked up a fresh problem. Now, he will miss the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting June 13 in Dharamshala.

Hardik was already at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. He was there to recover from back spasms. Things were moving along. Then, on Tuesday, he felt some discomfort again.

He told the medical team right away. They sent him to a local clinic for scans. The report came back with bad news: a quadriceps strain. Doctors say he will need at least two weeks to heal.

India plays Afghanistan on June 13, 17 and 20. Hardik was supposed to fly to Dharamshala on Thursday. That plan is now cancelled. He will stay back in Bengaluru and complete his rehab for this fresh injury as well.

The BCCI hasn’t officially confirmed the injury yet. But they are expected to name a replacement soon.

If all goes well, Hardik could be fit for India’s next ODI assignment three matches in England on July 14, 16 and 19. But given his recent history with injuries, fans will be keeping their fingers crossed.

The selectors had picked Hardik for the Afghanistan series, but with a condition. Both he and Rohit Sharma had to clear fitness tests. Rohit has reportedly passed his. Hardik, sadly, has not.

He hasn’t played an ODI since March 2025. His last India appearance was during the T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year. Now, the wait continues.

For a player who gives so much on the field, his body just isn’t cooperating. And that remains a worry for both him and the team.

                                               

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