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Before the start of the India vs Afghanistan series, the BCCI selectors named some players in the squad, whose participation was subject to clearance from the BCCI. The two biggest names include former captain Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
Hardik struggled with injury concerns repeatedly during the IPL 2026 campaign with Mumbai Indians, being in and out of the playing eleven repeatedly. Rohit, on the other hand, missed five consecutive matches in the season due to a hamstring strain.
Although the MI management had claimed that Rohit’s return to the Mumbai XI will happen only after he recovers from injury, the BCCI selector panel believes that he will have to visit the COE before making a comeback for India in the 50-over series against Afghanistan.
Hardik Pandya’s return date revealed before Afghanistan ODI
India’s experienced all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been in great form for India throughout the T20 World Cup. However, when he returned to captain Mumbai Indians many concerns were raised about possible injuries in the current IPL season.
With form being a major concern for the MI skipper, fitness has kept him out of the longer formats of white-ball cricket. He last played this format for India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.
With World Cup preparations starting with the Afghanistan series, India would want their No. 1 all-rounder to be back at his best. According to a report by TOI reporter Sahil Malhotra, Hardik is likely to reach the BCCI Center of Excellence on June 2.
He has to spend a week there and then join the Indian team for the ODI camp on June 11. The test match will end on June 10 and the first ODI will be played on June 13.
Clouds of uncertainty loom over Rohit Sharma’s return before Afghanistan series
India’s veteran opening batsman Rohit Sharma has stepped down from the captaincy and has also retired from two formats of international cricket. Opening batsmen represent India only in the longest format of limited overs cricket.
However, he is still in contention for a starting spot in the Indian team for the upcoming World Cup to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027. According to experts, India will need the experience of the former captain to analyze the conditions on the African continent.
However, Rohit may miss the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, as the Indian star has raised some injury concerns during his IPL 2026 campaign. He has also been asked to report to the COE, but nothing has been revealed regarding Rohit Sharma’s visit to the BCCI Center of Excellence or the possible date of his return to the Indian team.
India begin training for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur
The Indian team has started its preparations for the one-off Test series against Afghanistan. Afghanistan players had their first session between 9:30 am and 12:30 am on 2 June.
Gautam Gambhir has returned to India as the head coach and Shubman Gill as the captain of the team. They will train at New Mullanpur between 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. This will be India’s first training session with the red ball.
Ranji Trophy winner and Jammu and Kashmir’s highest wicket-taker bowler Auqib Nabi has made a place in the Indian team as a backup seamer. However, there is no news of anyone getting injured in the Indian team.
Also read: Tension between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya! Report reveals MI legend Tilak Verma’s move to captaincy
