The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly concerned about all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s fitness, specifically about whether he can bowl a 10-over spell in ODIs.
The discussion surrounding Pandya’s fitness was reportedly a major talking point during the selectors’ meeting to pick India’s squad for the one-off Test and three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in June.
Hardik Pandya named in India squad, subject to 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 only be with the squad if he could prove his fitness beyond doubt. A similar verdict was issued for former India and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma.
The selectors’ concern arises from the fact that Pandya complained of back spasms during IPL 2026 and even missed three matches because of them.
The BCCI is also reportedly unhappy with Pandya for not reporting to the Centre of Excellence (CoE) after complaining about back spasms.
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“Team management worried about Hardik being able to bowl 10 overs” – Senior BCCI source
Between MI’s defeat to the Chennai Super Kings on May 2 and the selection meeting on May 19, MI skipper Hardik Pandya did not play any IPL matches.
This long absence worried the selectors 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 issues that Pandya has dealt with throughout his career.
“Hardik was not informed about fitness concerns till 48 hours before the selection meeting. He hasn’t played for the Mumbai Indians since May 2. He complained of back spasms after the game in Chennai, but he hasn’t played since.”
“Hardik has reportedly been training at Reliance’s facility and at Wankhede Stadium. While he has rejoined the team, it is not clear how he must prove his fitness. The selectors are only worried about him not bowling 10 overs,” a senior BCCI source told TOI.
Hardik Pandya’s injury history and potential replacements
Hardik Pandya has struggled with back issues throughout his career and has undergone multiple surgeries since 2019.
This has also cut his Test career short. Despite a promising start, Hardik has not played red-ball cricket for India since 2018. In fact, he has not played domestic red-ball cricket since 2018 either.
The latest injury concern was in January this year, when the selectors rested him from the ODI series against New Zealand to preserve him for the T20 World Cup. BCCI’s CoE had not cleared him to bowl 10 overs in ODIs at the time, but he still managed to bowl a full 10-over spell for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy a few days later.
In Pandya’s absence, the Indian selectors have reportedly pinned their hopes on Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana to fulfil the roles of pace bowling all-rounders, especially with the ODI World Cup in South Africa next year.
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