Hardik Pandya ruled out of Afghanistan ODI series after fresh injury blow

After the win in the one-off Test over Afghanistan cricket team">Afghanistan, the Indian squad is all set to take on the visitors in a three-match ODI series, starting June 13. India have been handed a major blow ahead of the start of the series as star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the ODI squad. Hardik is reportedly set to miss the series after suffering a low-grade quadriceps strain.   

Hardik had been training hard at the BCCI Centre of Excellence since June 2 and was expected to join the squad in Dharmshala on June 11. However, the injury comes as a surprise because the reports just a day earlier suggested that Pandya cleared all fitness tests.  

According to a report, Hardik sustained a mild quadriceps sprain, causing some tenderness. However, the injury is not long-term, and he has been advised to avoid any weight training for the next few days. Hardik will continue to stay in Bengaluru during his recovery phase under the consultation of the CoE trainers and physios.   

“There has been a very late setback. He sustained a low-grade, mild quadricep sprain, causing some tenderness. It’s nothing long-term, but medical staff advised him to avoid any strain or weight-bearing for the next few days. Hardik will continue to stay in Bengaluru, consulting with CoE physios and trainers during his recovery phase,” said a BCCI official.

Kohli ruled out, Rohit fit and ready to go

Virat Kohli has already been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been selected as a replacement for the star batter. Meanwhile, senior batter Rohit Sharma has cleared all the fitness tests and is all ready to get into action for Team India, as per a report.