Team India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the ODI series against Afghanistan (IND vs AFG). This news comes a day after Hardik passed his fitness test. According to several reports, Hardik’s withdrawal is due to a sprained ankle, which has forced him out of the ODI series. Due to his sprained ankle, Hardik may have to spend the next two weeks at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

It must be noted that the ODI series between India and Afghanistan begins on June 13. The first ODI is to be played in Dharamsala, for which Hardik Pandya was supposed to join Team India on June 11, but a sprain in his foot has further extended his wait to join the Indian team.

Advised to rest for two weeks

Reports indicate that Hardik Pandya has a low-grade injury, a sprain in his mid-leg. However, it is also being said that this injury will not last long. To prevent further complications, the medical staff has advised him to rest for the next two weeks.

It’s worth noting that Hardik Pandya was set to return to ODI cricket after 14 months in the series against Afghanistan. But now he will have to wait even longer. With Pandya’s exclusion from the ODI squad, it will be interesting to see whether the BCCI announces his replacement.

Overall, this ODI series between India and Afghanistan could prove to be crucial for both teams. While the Indian team will look to strengthen its preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup and test new players, Afghanistan will be looking to prove itself against a strong opponent. Cricket fans can expect an exciting and competitive series.

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