In a big blow to the Indian team, ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan owing to a low-grade quadricep sprain, TOI reported on Wednesday (June 10).

Hardik, who missed several IPL 2026 matches for Mumbai Indians (MI) due to back spasms, was at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) for fitness assessment since June 2.

In fact, the 32-year-old had received medical clearance by the Sports Science team at the CoE to feature in the Afghanistan ODIs and was supposed to join the Indian squad on June 11. However, the late injury setback will now force him to stay put in Bengaluru for a couple more weeks.

"There has been a very late setback. He sustained a low-grade, mild quadricep sprain causing some tenderness. It’s nothing long-term, but medical staff advised him to avoid any strain or weight-bearing for the next few days. Hardik will continue to stay in Bengaluru, consulting with CoE physios and trainers during his recovery phase," TOI quoted a BCCI official as saying.

It now remains to be seen whether the BCCI selection committee announces replacement for Hardik, who was set to play the ODI format for the first time since March 2025.

A day earlier, PTI had reported that Hardik Pandya is fully fit and has been cleared to play in the Afghanistan ODI series, starting June 13 in Dharamsala.

"Hardik was on a holiday abroad before he checked in at the CoE on June 2. Over the next five days, he did several match simulations and even bowled (full quota of) 10 overs," the news agency quoted a BCCI source as saying.

"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," the source added.