Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes managing Hardik Pandya’s workload will be crucial as India begin preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. With the tournament set to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, conditions are expected to assist seamers and all-rounders, making a fully fit Hardik one of India’s most valuable assets heading into the marquee event.

Hardik has been named in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after successfully clearing his fitness assessment at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. The all-rounder had been under medical observation following fitness concerns, but reports suggest he has now been declared fit and is expected to join the squad soon. However, he has been rested from India’s subsequent T20I assignments against Ireland and England, a move Jaffer believes is both sensible and necessary.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jaffer backed the selectors and team management for carefully managing Hardik’s workload. The former India batter pointed out that the Baroda all-rounder remains a rare player capable of providing balance with both bat and ball, making his fitness a top priority for the national team.

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“I think Hardik will have to be very smart about managing his workload going forward,” Wasim Jaffer said. “He has already undergone surgery in the past, and Test cricket is probably not a realistic option because of the physical demands. In ODI cricket, especially with a World Cup coming up next year, he will need to choose which matches he plays and which ones he skips. It’s a fair decision to rest him from certain formats because players with Hardik’s skill set are difficult to replace.”

Jaffer also weighed in on India’s chances against Afghanistan in the upcoming ODI series and made it clear that Shubman Gill’s side should start as overwhelming favourites. While acknowledging Afghanistan’s growing strength in white-ball cricket, he believes the 50-over format still favours India significantly.

“India are favourites without any doubt,” Wasim Jaffer stated. “Afghanistan are generally a bigger threat in T20 cricket. In ODIs, India should be expected to win most of the matches. If Afghanistan manage to win even one game, it would come as a major surprise. That said, this series is extremely important for Afghanistan because it gives them an opportunity to identify their best combinations and finalise plans ahead of the World Cup.”

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With the ODI World Cup now firmly on the horizon, India’s focus will be on building a settled squad, and ensuring Hardik Pandya remains fit could be one of the biggest factors in their quest for a third world title.