Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya passed the CoE fitness test ahead of the ODI series against AFG
A three-match ODI series between India and Afghanistan is set to begin on June 13. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have also been selected for Team India for this series; however, it was mandatory for both of them to pass a fitness test.
A three-match ODI series between India and Afghanistan is set to begin on June 13. Ahead of the series opener, former captain Rohit Sharma and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya have been declared fit. The BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) has cleared both players. Having passed their fitness tests, it is now confirmed that Rohit and Hardik will play in the ODI series against Afghanistan.
Rohit and Hardik pass fitness tests; ready for the Afghanistan ODI series—
Hardik Pandya had been troubled by back spasms, which caused him to miss a few matches for the Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026. He was sent to the COE in Bengaluru for fitness training. Rohit Sharma had also sustained a hamstring injury during IPL 2026. Both players completed their recovery process at the COE, where they were declared fit on Tuesday.
Although both Rohit and Pandya had been named in the Indian squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan, their participation was contingent upon passing fitness tests. Now, both stalwarts are ready to play in the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan.
Virat Kohli not part of the Afghanistan ODI series—
Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the Afghanistan ODI series due to injury. In this context, the clearance given to Rohit and Hardik has strengthened the Indian team. Rohit played his last ODI against New Zealand on January 18, 2026. Hardik has not played an ODI since India's Champions Trophy victory in March 2025.
The first ODI between India and Afghanistan will be played in Dharamsala on June 13; the team is scheduled to arrive there on Wednesday. The second ODI will be held in Lucknow on June 17, and the third ODI will be played in Chennai on June 20.
