Rohit Sharma reacts after the toss before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand in Dubai on March 9, 2025. (Photo by Ryan Lim/AFP via Getty Images)
Rohit Sharma is set to return for India’s ODI series against Afghanistan. He has cleared his fitness tests at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The injury occurred during IPL 2026 while he was playing for Mumbai Indians. The hamstring problem forced him to miss matches. It limited his role during the later stages of the tournament.
Despite the injury, Rohit was named in India’s squad for the Afghanistan series in May, subject to fitness clearance. He reported to the Centre of Excellence on June 8 for medical assessments, running drills, fielding tests, and batting practice.
His rehabilitation included net sessions and specialist training drills. And also fitness benchmarks designed to test whether he could handle match conditions. The focus was on running speed and overall workload management.
At 39 years old, Rohit now plays only ODI cricket after stepping away from T20Is and Test cricket. That makes each ODI assignment important as India builds towards the 2027 World Cup. The three-match series against Afghanistan is the first bilateral ODI series between the two nations.
The opening ODI is scheduled for June 13 in Dharamsala. The second match will be played on June 17 in Lucknow, while the final ODI is set for June 20 in Chennai. All matches begin at 1:30 PM IST.
Hardik Pandya Cleared for India vs Afghanistan ODI Series After Passing Fitness Tests
Hardik Pandya has been cleared to play in India’s upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. He has completed fitness tests at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Pandya had missed several IPL 2026 matches for Mumbai Indians because of back spasms. He arrived at the Centre of Excellence on June 2 to begin his rehabilitation and fitness assessment.
During his recovery program, he took part in match simulations. He also bowled a full quota of 10 overs. The successful workload was a major sign that he is ready for 50-over cricket again.
According to reports, he completed all required fitness benchmarks without discomfort. His performance data were approved by the Centre of Excellence staff.
India assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak had earlier said he expected Pandya to be fine, although he did not have an official update at the time.
Pandya remains one of India’s most important white-ball players. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives balance to the side. His return is a timely boost ahead of the three-match ODI series against the Afghanistan national cricket team.
It is not yet clear whether he will join the squad during the training camp in Chandigarh or meet the team directly in Dharamsala before the first ODI.
India vs Afghanistan 2026 ODI Series: Full Schedule
The 2026 ODI series between the Indian national cricket team and the Afghan national cricket team was historic because it was the first bilateral ODI series between the two countries.
All three matches started at 1:30 PM IST.
The first ODI was played on June 13 at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
The second ODI took place on June 17 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
The third and final ODI was held on June 20 at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The series formed part of India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Shubman Gill captained India during the series. Virat Kohli was originally selected but later withdrew because of a hamstring injury.
The matches were broadcast on Star Sports and streamed through JioHotstar.
FAQS
Q. Is Rohit Sharma returning?
A. Rohit Sharma passed all fitness tests and is available for the Afghanistan ODI series.
Q. What injury kept Rohit Sharma out of action?
A. Rohit suffered a hamstring injury during IPL 2026.
Q. Has Hardik Pandya been cleared?
A. Yes. Hardik Pandya passed his fitness tests and is available for selection.
Q. When does the India vs Afghanistan ODI series begin?
A. The first ODI is scheduled for June 13, 2026, in Dharamsala.
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