India have received a significant boost ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, with former captain Rohit Sharma reportedly cleared to play after successfully completing a fitness assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Rohit had been under scrutiny after suffering a hamstring injury during IPL 2026. The veteran opener missed five matches for the Mumbai Indians before returning later in the tournament.
Although MI’s coaching staff repeatedly stated that he was fully fit, questions remained over his readiness for 50-over cricket. The concern stemmed from the fact that Rohit featured primarily as an Impact Player upon his return, contributing with the bat but not spending extended periods on the field.
As a result, when India announced their squad for the Afghanistan ODIs, his selection came with a note stating that participation would be subject to medical clearance. According to a PTI report, Rohit has now received the green signal from the Sports Science team at the CoE, paving the way for his return to international action.
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The clearance comes at an important stage of Rohit’s career. At 39, every series carries added significance as he looks to maintain his place in India’s ODI plans leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Regular game time and consistent fitness will be crucial if he hopes to remain a key figure at the top of the batting order.
Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya cleared for Afghanistan ODIs#RohitSharma #HardikPandya #TeamIndia #INDvAFG #cricket #IndianCricket #ODICricket #CricketNews #SportsToday pic.twitter.com/IfkrauOjiv
— Sports Today (@SportsTodayofc) June 9, 2026
For India, Rohit’s availability brings valuable experience and stability to a squad entering a busy international schedule. The veteran opener has continued to deliver in ODIs, even after stepping away from T20Is and Test cricket.
His recent performances have reinforced his importance to the side, and the selectors will be pleased to have one of their most reliable batters available for the three-match series against Afghanistan. With fitness concerns now seemingly behind him, Rohit will be eager to make an immediate impact and continue strengthening his case for a place in India’s 2027 World Cup plans.
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India’s squad for Afghanistan ODIs: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey
