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The Indian squad for the Test and ODI series against Afghanistan has been announced. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has selected Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya in the squad on the basis of "subject to fitness." Both players are currently managing their injuries, because of which they will have to pass the mandatory fitness tests before they can be seen playing.
What is the concern surrounding Hardik and Rohit?
The former India skipper Rohit Sharma picked up a hamstring injury while batting during a game against RCB in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. After the injury, Rohit missed a few matches, but after coming back to action, he was featured mainly as an impact player and did not do much fielding on the ground. This is the reason why questions are still being raised over his fitness.
On the other hand, Hardik Pandya is dealing with back spasms and will have to clear the return-to-play fitness test. Only then he will be approved to play for Team India.
When will the India vs Afghanistan series begin?
India and Afghanistan will play a Test match for the first time since 2018. Afghanistan will tour India for a one-off Test match beginning from June 6, after which a three-match ODI series will also be played.
The ODI series vs Afghanistan is being considered as the first step in preparations for the upcoming ICC 2027 ODI World Cup, where the team management will once again look to audition its players. Virat Kohli is fit and expected to play, but questions still remain over Rohit Sharma's fitness.
Team India ODI Squad :-
Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey.
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