As Team India gears up for its upcoming assignments against Afghanistan, all eyes are on senior players Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, whose participation in the ODI series remains subject to fitness clearance.
According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had instructed both players to report to its Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for assessment and rehabilitation. While Hardik Pandya has already joined the facility, there is no official update yet on Rohit Sharma’s arrival.
Hardik begins fitness programme
Reports suggest Hardik is expected to spend around a week at the Bengaluru-based Centre of Excellence before linking up with the Indian squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan, which begins on June 13.
The all-rounder has been included in India’s ODI squad, but his final availability will depend on receiving fitness clearance from the BCCI medical team.
Rohit’s status remains unclear
Former India captain Rohit Sharma has also been named in the ODI squad, subject to fitness approval. However, reports indicate that the BCCI is still awaiting confirmation regarding his arrival at the Centre of Excellence.
His fitness status is likely to be closely monitored ahead of the series, given his importance to India’s batting line-up.
India prepare for Afghanistan challenge
India will host Afghanistan for a one-off Test beginning on June 6, followed by a three-match ODI series from June 13.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar and several other bowlers have reportedly been called to assist in the Indian team’s net sessions ahead of the Test match. The move comes as some frontline bowlers manage workload concerns following a demanding IPL season.
With preparations underway in Bengaluru, the focus now shifts to fitness updates on Rohit and Hardik as India finalise plans for the Afghanistan series.#RohitSharma #HardikPandya #TeamIndia #BCCI #AfghanistanSeries #CricketNews #Bengaluru #newskarnataka