Hardik Pandya ruled out vs Afghanistan [Source: AFP]The Indian ODI setup has several match-winners, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, but there is one name that people often ignore- Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder has produced numerous match-winning efforts for India in the past, and he is set to be a vital cog for the Men in Blue in the World Cup 2027.In the IPL 2026, Hardik sustained a back injury, and it was a worrying sign for the Indian side as the Men in Blue had to play a three-game ODI series against Afghanistan side. However, just before the ODIs, Hardik got the fitness clearance from the CoE, and he was set to be included in the playing XI before disaster struck.Hardik Pandya injured once again, out of Afghanistan ODIsIn the latest development from TOI, Hardik Pandya is once again injured and has been ruled out of the India vs Afghanistan ODI matches. He was training hard for an ODI comeback at the CoE, and reportedly, the all-rounder suffered a leg sprain. The latest setback means he’ll take two more weeks to recover.Hardik was set to join the India ODI squad on June 11, but he has once again been kept on the sidelines as India will have to prepare for the series without him. The BCCI has not made the news official as of yet, and no replacement has been announced."There has been a very late setback. He sustained a low-grade mild leg sprain causing some tenderness. It is not long-term, but the medical staff has advised him to avoid any strain or weight bearing for the next few days.Hardik will continue to stay in Bengaluru consulting with CoE physios and trainers during his recovery," a BCCI source told TOI.Hardik Pandya's injury issues continue to haunt himJust when everyone thought Hardik Pandya was fit and raring to go, the Indian all-rounder sustained another injury and will miss the all-important Afghanistan ODIs. In the last few years, Hardik has suffered numerous injuries that have kept him on the shelf for a long period of time.Also Read: India's Biggest Dressing Room Secret Out! Two Senior Stars' Alleged Rift ExposedIn the World Cup 2023, Hardik sustained a left ankle injury during the league stage game against Bangladesh, and he was eventually ruled out of the tournament. Reportedly, he was also injured in the IPL 2024 season, as he hardly bowled in the campaign.In the IPL 2026, the MI captain had a back injury, which ruled him out for numerous matches, and it affected his team’s performance. Now, the latest injury has once again put his ODI career in jeopardy.When was the last time Hardik played an ODI match?It was the Champions Trophy final in 2025 when Hardik last featured for India in the ODI format. That match took place 1.5 years ago, and since then, the all-rounder has been out of the team due to injuries and team combinations.He missed the ODIs against Australia (away from home), and the home matches against South Africa, and New Zealand, and just when he was slated for a return, the all-rounder sustained an injury.Hardik’s next ODI assignment could be against England, as Team India travels to take part in the white-ball series.Also Read: Pakistan T20I Squad Announced For Asian Games; No Match For India
