Hardik Pandya will not be available for selection for IND vs AFG series [Source: AFP]In a recent development, the Indian cricket team is poised to suffer a massive setback in the form of Hardik Pandya. The Indian all-rounder's return to international cricket has been delayed again as the BCCI Centre of Excellence has found a massive hindrance. Pandya will be reportedly missing the India vs Afghanistan T20I series after he made steady progress with his injuries at the CoE. As per a recent report from The Times of India, it has been learnt that a late leg niggle has ruled him out of the entire three-match T20I series against Afghanistan starting from September 13. Also Read- Hardik Pandya Future Sealed; Mumbai Indians To Undergo Massive Changes For IPL 2027Hardik Pandya unavailable for selection for IND vs AFG T20I seriesAlthough Pandya was ticking the right boxes with his physical fitness, a late development now makes him unavailable for selection. As the selectors are set to meet this week to pick the squad for T20Is, Pandya's late injury might further delay his return to the team."Hardik was operating at full intensity without any discomfort but he has been advised to pause bowling due to discomfort in the leg. He will resume soon, but the Afghanistan series is too close to reach the required fitness levels. Batting and movement-wise, there wasn't any significant issue, but the CoE needs to be completely convinced before giving an all-clear," says a source tracking developments.Hardik Pandya last played a match for the nation in March 2026 during the T20 World Cup 2026 final.Hardik Pandya has been struggling since IPL 2026Hardik's injury struggles have been prominent since IPL 2026. The MI skipper dealt with chronic back spasms while playing for his team and missed several matches of the season, participating in only 10 out of the 14 group-stage games. His chronic issues were further aggravated by a post-IPL quadriceps strain, where, while trying to increase his training workload to prepare for the upcoming India vs Afghanistan ODI series, he was ruled out for three weeks, effectively also ruling him out for the subsequent matches.Since then, although he worked his way up to recovery, while increasing his workload, Hardik Pandya faced the recent calf setback that will now take several days or maybe weeks to heal, with the BCCI looking for a replacement for the Indian all-rounder.Pandya's replacement on the verge of getting a green lightPandya is an effective all-rounder in the T20I setup, and the fast-bowling power hitter in the lower middle order of the team will need to be replaced as the selection committee decides on the unit led by Shreyas Iyer by September 3. In a recent development, reports revealed that Nitish Kumar Reddy has been progressing well for the Afghanistan series, which makes him one of the primary choices in place of Pandya. Interestingly enough, Washington Sundar, the offie all-rounder, will also be available for selection, after making steady progress. Sundar spent the last weekend in Chennai, and will report back to the COE to prove his fitness before selection, while Reddy has also been training intensely to operate at full capacity to return to international cricket. Nitish Reddy last played a T20I match for India in January 2025 while Sundar featured against England this July.Hence, it is likely that either both or any one of these two all-rounders will get the ultimate green light from the BCCI as Hardik Pandya remains doubtful for the India vs Afghanistan T20I series.Also Read- India-Born Player Named In Australia Squad vs India In Historical Move
