Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been declared fully fit for international cricket after successfully completing rehabilitation and fitness assessments at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The clearance paves the way for his return to India’s One-Day International squad for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan, which is scheduled to begin in Dharamsala on Sunday.
Pandya had been sidelined by back spasms that forced him to miss several matches during the recent Indian Premier League season while representing Mumbai Indians. Following a brief holiday abroad, the 32-year-old reported to the Centre of Excellence on June 2 and underwent a comprehensive fitness program designed to assess his readiness for the demands of international cricket.
According to sources, Pandya participated in multiple match-simulation sessions over a five-day period and successfully bowled a full quota of 10 overs during training. The ability to complete a full bowling workload is considered a significant benchmark for all-rounders preparing for 50-over cricket, where sustained bowling spells are often required. Officials reportedly found no signs of discomfort during the rehabilitation process.
The BCCI’s Sports Science and Strength and Conditioning teams reviewed Pandya’s fitness data and cleared him for competitive action after all key performance indicators met the required standards. His return is expected to strengthen India’s white-ball setup considerably, as he provides a valuable balance through both his pace bowling and aggressive lower-order batting.
Earlier this week, India assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak had indicated that he had not received a formal update on Pandya’s condition but expressed confidence that the all-rounder was progressing well. With medical clearance now confirmed, attention has shifted to when Pandya will join the national squad ahead of the Afghanistan series. It remains uncertain whether he will participate in training sessions in Chandigarh or link up directly with the team in Dharamsala.
Meanwhile, former India captain Rohit Sharma is also undergoing assessment at the Centre of Excellence after dealing with a hamstring issue that affected his participation during the IPL season. As India prepares for an important stretch of white-ball cricket, the successful return of Pandya will be viewed as a major boost for the team’s plans, particularly given his crucial role as one of the country’s premier all-rounders.