The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly concerned about the fitness of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, especially whether he can bowl 10-over spells in ODIs.
Pandya’s fitness was reportedly a major issue discussed during the selectors’ meeting to pick India’s squad for the one-off Test and three-match ODI series. afghanistan In June.
Hardik Pandya included in Indian team, it will depend on fitness
Eventually, Pandya was named in the squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan, but with an asterisk next to his name.
The selectors had said that Hardik Pandya would be with the team only when he proves his fitness without any doubt. A similar verdict was given for the former captain of India and Mumbai Indians. Rohit Sharma.
The selectors’ concern arises from the fact that Pandya had complained of back spasms during IPL 2026 and due to this he could not play even three matches.
The BCCI is also unhappy with Pandya for reportedly not reporting to the Center of Excellence (CoE) after complaining of back spasms.
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“Team management is worried about Hardik being able to bowl 10 overs” – Senior BCCI source
Between MI’s defeat to Chennai Super Kings on May 2 and the selection meeting on May 19, the MI captain hardik pandya Did not play any IPL match.
This long absence left the selectors concerned about his fitness for the upcoming ODIs and ultimately the 2027 ODI World Cup. The back spasms in 2026 are the latest in a long list of injuries and fitness problems that Pandya has dealt with throughout his career.
“Hardik was not informed about the fitness concerns until 48 hours before the selection meeting. He has not played for Mumbai Indians since May 2. He complained of back spasms after the game in Chennai, but he has not played since.”
“Hardik is reportedly training at the Reliance facility and the Wankhede Stadium. Although he has rejoined the team, it is not clear how he will have to prove his fitness. The selectors are only concerned about him not bowling 10 overs,” a senior BCCI source told TOI.
Hardik Pandya’s injury history and possible replacements
Hardik Pandya has struggled with back problems throughout his career and has undergone several surgeries since 2019.
Due to this his Test career has also been shortened. Despite great start, Hardik has not played red-ball cricket India Since 2018. In fact, he has not even played domestic red-ball cricket since 2018.
The latest injury concern was in January this year, when the selectors rested him from the ODI series against New Zealand to keep him safe for the T20 World Cup. At that time, the BCCI COE did not allow him to bowl 10 overs in ODIs, but still he managed to bowl the full 10 overs for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy a few days later.
Indian selectors’ hopes reportedly hinge on Pandya’s absence Nitish Kumar Reddy And Harshit Rana will play the role of a fast bowling all-rounder, especially with the ODI World Cup in South Africa next year.
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