Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya's Fitness Status Revealed For India Vs Afghanistan ODIs

Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma's fitness status revealed [Source: AFP]

In a major development, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak issued fresh updates on Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya's fitness for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. 

Led by Shubman Gill, the Indian team crushed their Afghan counterparts by an innings and 300 runs to win the one-off Test match at the Mullanpur Stadium. 

Having emerged victorious in the Test match inside three days, the hosts are preparing for a three-match ODI series, which commences on June 13 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. 

Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya's participation in IND vs AFG ODIs is subject to fitness clearance

Veteran cricketers Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya missed crucial matches for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2026 due to injury setbacks. 

While Rohit was ruled out of five group-stage matches after sustaining a hamstring injury, Hardik Pandya's IPL 2026 campaign was marred by a back spasm. 

Therefore, although the BCCI kept Rohit and Pandya in the India ODI squad vs Afghanistan, a fitness clearance from the medical team was made mandatory for them to feature in the three-match leg. 

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On June 2, Hardik Pandya joined the BCCI Centre of Excellence, where both these players were supposed to continue their rehabilitation and obtain the fitness certificate for the Afghanistan series. 

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma's arrival at the Bengaluru-based facility was delayed amid his recovery from the hamstring injury that forced him to play a majority of the IPL 2026 as an impact player. 

Thus, with the India vs Afghanistan ODI series starting on June 13, there was some uncertainty over the participation of these players in the highly anticipated home assignment. 

Sitanshu Kotak issues fitness update on Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya

Meanwhile, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has shed light on the availability of Rohit and Hardik for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. 

Speaking to the media, Kotak revealed that both these players would be ready to play the India vs Afghanistan ODI series, although the CoE medical team has yet to issue fitness clearance certificates to them. 

"'I've honestly not got the news whether they have been cleared or not, but I'm sure they'll be there. Whatever I heard, they are fine," Sitanshu Kotak said in the press conference held on Monday. 

Having said that, the Indian batting coach maintained that Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya must undergo all fitness tests to formally be declared fit for the three-match ODI series. 

"But they have to go and do that fitness test or whatever the rule is. Before coming here (for the press conference), I have not asked the physio when they were actually going,” Sitanshu Kotak added. 

Rohit at crossroads, Hardik eyes redemption in IND vs AFG ODIs

Talking about Rohit Sharma, the former captain must convince the BCCI selection committee with his form and fitness to stay in contention for a spot in India's 2027 World Cup squad. 

The batter is already 39, and with promising talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi making giant strides, Rohit must make his bat do the talking in the India vs Afghanistan ODIs to remain in India's plans for the marquee tournament. 

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya would be desperate to bounce back after a torrid IPL 2026 campaign for Mumbai Indians. The veteran allrounder managed 206 runs and four wickets across 10 outings. 

With Nitish Reddy consistently showcasing his mettle as an allrounder, Pandya needs to silence his doubters with a string of impactful returns against Afghanistan, provided he gets cleared by the BCCI medical team to participate in the home series. 

Update: As reported by PTI, Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma have received fitness clearance from the Sports science team for the India vs Afghanistan series. The report states that Pandya didn't experience any discomfort and bowled at full tilt during several match simulations at the Bengaluru-based facility. Therefore, chances are extremely high that the seasoned campaigner will play the India vs Afghanistan series opener in Dharamsala on June 13. 

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