IND vs AFG: Team India have suffered a major setback ahead of their upcoming white-ball series against Afghanistan, with star all-rounder and Mumbai Indians standout Hardik Pandya ruled out of the three-match ODI series due to injury.
The 32-year-old was set to make his much-awaited return to ODI cricket after being away from the format for over a year. However, a late fitness issue has forced him out of the squad just days before the series gets underway.
The setback comes at a particularly unfortunate time for Pandya, who had enjoyed a productive week at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Having reported to the facility on June 2, the all-rounder underwent intensive training sessions and match simulations. He had even bowled his full quota of 10 overs without any discomfort and was subsequently cleared by the Sports Science team.
However, during his final high-intensity training session before departure, Pandya sustained a mild quadricep sprain, resulting in noticeable tenderness in the affected area.
“There has been a very late setback. He sustained a low-grade quadricep sprain, which has caused some tenderness. It’s nothing long-term, but the medical staff have advised him to avoid any strain or weight-bearing activity over the next few days. Hardik will remain in Bengaluru and continue working closely with the CoE physios and trainers during his recovery,” a senior BCCI official confirmed to TimesofIndia.com.
Pandya was scheduled to join the Shubman Gill-led squad in Dharamsala on June 11. Instead, he will remain at the CoE for at least the next two weeks as part of his rehabilitation programme. The Indian team management has been kept fully informed of the situation.
With the opening ODI scheduled to be played in Dharamsala on June 13, the national selectors and team think tank now face a race against time. It remains unclear whether a replacement will be named to maintain the balance of the squad.
Meanwhile, the rest of the ODI squad has already begun assembling. Several players arrived in Mohali on Wednesday and are expected to take part in an optional training session at the IS Bindra Stadium before travelling to Dharamsala on Thursday morning.
