In a major blow to Team India, Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The all-rounder had initially received clearance from Bengaluru’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) after completing a week of drills and fitness assessments, but a late setback has now forced him to withdraw from the June fixtures.
Sources within the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) confirmed that Hardik will remain at the CoE to continue his rehabilitation.
“Hardik had initially passed all the necessary tests and was given the clearance. But a late setback has ruled him out of the Afghanistan series. He suffered a quadriceps strain and has been advised for close to two weeks,” the source confirmed to Hindustan Times Digital.
“He will be staying at the CoE to continue with his recovery process,” he added.
It now remains to be seen whether the team management and the selection committee choose to name a replacement for the 32-year-old.