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Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have not yet received approval from BCCI’s Center of Excellence (COE) for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. Ahead of the 3-match ODI series, the host nation is battling multiple injury threats.
After an impressive win against Afghanistan in the one-off Test in New Chandigarh on Monday, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak gave some important information about the chances of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya playing in the ODI series starting June 13 in Dharamshala.
Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya uncertain for IND vs AFG ODI series
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named both Rohit and Hardik for the ODI series, but their participation depends on their fitness status. If they get approval from the COE, only then they will be able to take the field against Afghanistan.
Both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya had to miss several matches with Mumbai Indians during the IPL 2026 season. While Rohit had a hamstring problem, Pandya reportedly missed some matches of IPL 2026 due to back spasms. During the league, the nature of the injuries to these two stars was unclear.
However, despite injuries, both teams returned to action before the conclusion of the group stage. After his comeback, Rohit Sharma played for Mumbai Indians as an impact sub.
Important matches before ODI World Cup 2027
Ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, all the upcoming ODI series will be very important for the men as well as the individuals. Rohit and Hardik’s recent form during the Indian Premier League 2026 campaign was not satisfactory.
Through the 3-match ODI series against Afghanistan, the players will again try to prove their mettle to keep themselves in the competition while the selectors sit to discuss the squad for the ODI World Cup.
Sitanshu Kotak shares updates on Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya
Sitanshu Kotak is hopeful that both the players will join the team for the ODI series. In the press conference he claimed that at the time, he had no confirmed updates about both Hardik and Rohit, but he heard that they were fine. As per the procedures, players have to prove their fitness through a process at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Monday, “To be honest, I have not got the news whether he has been cleared or not, but I am sure he will be there. From what I have heard, he is fine. But he will have to go and undergo a fitness test or whatever the rules are. Before coming here (for the press conference), I had not asked the physio when exactly he is going.”
He said, “The ODI players will join the team here and there can be some light practice the day after tomorrow evening.”
According to a Times of India report published on their website on June 9, Rohit was to visit the COE on Monday, while the younger Pandya brother has been there since June 2.
Read more: “Try to help him”: Sitanshu Kotak shares plans to pursue Vaibhav Suryavanshi during UK tour
