New Delhi, June 12:
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after suffering a fresh quadriceps strain, dealing a blow to the national side just days before the series begins.
Pandya, who had only recently recovered from a back spasm sustained during the Indian Premier League while representing Mumbai Indians, was undergoing fitness assessment at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He had reportedly been cleared to return to action hours earlier, but the new injury occurred during the evaluation process.
Sources indicate that the quadriceps strain may have been triggered when Pandya bowled his full quota of 10 overs during the assessment, putting strain on his recovering body. Medical staff have since advised a rehabilitation period of at least three weeks, effectively ruling him out of the entire series.
āWith three weeks required for recovery, there is absolutely no chance of him playing the ODI series as his rehabilitation will not be complete,ā a BCCI source said, confirming the setback.
The ODI series against Afghanistan is scheduled to begin on Saturday in Dharamsala, followed by matches in Lucknow and Chennai on June 17 and 20 respectively. Pandyaās absence will force the team management to rethink the balance of the side, especially in the all-rounderās role where he plays a crucial part with both bat and ball.
Pandya had earlier missed a few IPL matches due to injury concerns but made a return for Mumbai Indiansā final league game against Rajasthan Royals on May 24. His recurring fitness issues, however, remain a concern for Indian cricket, particularly with a packed international calendar ahead.
The selectors are expected to name a replacement soon, as India look to maintain momentum despite the loss of one of their key match-winners.