Team India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has dismissed concerns over Rohit Sharma’s fitness ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Morkel confirmed that the former Indian captain has completed all the necessary fitness tests following his hamstring injury and is fully fit to play for the team.
India will take on Afghanistan in the first ODI at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Saturday, June 13. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the IPL 2026 final after suffering an injury during the IPL 2026 final, while Virat Kohli has been ruled out. This series is the first bilateral ODI series between the two countries.
Rohit Sharma is keeping pace and training well – Morne Morkel provides fitness update
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Morne Morkel dismissed concerns over Rohit Sharma’s fitness ahead of the ODI series against Afghanistan. India’s bowling coach said the captain has passed all the fitness tests and looked comfortable during training.
“I just didn’t pay attention to it. It just shows that I don’t think there is a problem. He has passed all his fitness tests. He has passed and is ready to go. Obviously, the balls are coming at a faster pace and you want to protect yourself, even if there is a little bit of discomfort. But I can assure you there is nothing wrong. Rohit is progressing well and training well. Very excited to see him go.”
Rohit suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026. The injury caused him to miss five league matches, although he later returned as an impact player. During India’s preparations, he was seen training with extra padding around his thigh.
The calmness he brings to the dressing room is always positive – Morne Morkel on Rohit Sharma
Before the ODI series against Afghanistan, Morne Morkel praised Rohit Sharma’s leadership and experience. India’s bowling coach said that Rohit’s presence brings calmness to the dressing room and provides valuable guidance to the team.
“It’s always good to have his experience back. The calmness he brings to the dressing room is always positive. He’s been training well, he’s progressing well. So I know he’s excited to go too.”
Rohit last played ODI cricket for India in January 2026 during the home series against New Zealand. The opening batsman scored 61 runs in three matches at an average of 20.33 and a strike rate of 76.25.
India’s road to 2027 ODI World Cup begins with Afghanistan series
The ODI series against Afghanistan marks the beginning of India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is expected to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia between October and November 2027. The team management will assess the combination and build depth ahead of the global event.
India will start the series without many senior players. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested to manage his workload, while Virat Kohli is unavailable after suffering an injury during the IPL 2026 final. His absence will give the team a chance to test other options and evaluate the bench strength.
There were also concerns about Rohit Sharma’s fitness after he suffered a hamstring injury during IPL 2026. However, the experienced opener passed all the BCCI fitness tests and joined the squad ahead of the series. Rohit is fully fit, training well and ready to return to action.
