India has received a significant boost ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya reportedly receiving fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Pandya’s fitness had been a major talking point after he missed four matches for the Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026 due to back spasms.

Although he returned for the franchise’s final league-stage game against Rajasthan Royals, questions remained over whether he would be ready for the demands of 50-over cricket. When the BCCI announced India’s ODI squad for the Afghanistan series, Pandya’s inclusion came with a condition that he would require final medical clearance before being available for selection.

According to a PTI report, the 32-year-old has successfully completed his rehabilitation programme and is now fit to take part in the series, which begins in Dharamsala on Saturday. The report added that Pandya reported to the CoE on June 2 following a short overseas holiday and underwent extensive fitness assessments over several days.

WATCH – Priyansh Arya Falls Victim To Bizarre Run Out After Mix-Up With Ruturaj Gaikwad

“Over the next five days, he did several match simulations and even bowled (full quota of) 10 overs. There has been no discomfort, and the information is that his fitness data for various parameters has been okayed by Strength and Conditioning coaches at the CoE,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying.

The successful assessment is a major positive for India, considering Pandya’s importance to the ODI setup as a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds valuable balance to the side ahead of an important international assignment.

The report further stated that it remains unclear whether Pandya will join the Indian squad during its ongoing preparation camp in Chandigarh or travel directly to Dharamsala as originally planned.

Meanwhile, senior opener Rohit Sharma is also undergoing fitness assessments at the CoE. The India captain is being monitored for the hamstring injury that forced him to miss five matches during IPL 2026.

WATCH – Arjun Tendulkar Produces Match-Winning Heroics In Mumbai League

While Rohit returned for the final phase of the Mumbai Indians’ campaign and was declared fully fit by the franchise, the BCCI is expected to make its own assessment before granting clearance. Encouragingly for India, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak recently expressed confidence that both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya will be available for the ODI series against Afghanistan.