Bengaluru: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed senior India cricketers Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya to report to its Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for fitness assessments ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. However, as per reports, only Pandya has complied with the directive so far, while there is no confirmation yet on Rohit’s arrival.

India are scheduled to face Afghanistan in a one-off Test beginning June 6, followed by a three-match ODI series starting June 13. The BCCI has already announced squads for both formats, with Rohit and Hardik included in the ODI squad subject to fitness clearance.

Hardik reports, Rohit’s status unclear

According to reports, Hardik Pandya is set to spend about a week at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru undergoing fitness checks and rehabilitation. His timely arrival indicates a positive intent to regain match fitness ahead of the ODI fixtures.

On the other hand, there remains uncertainty around Rohit Sharma’s availability. While the BCCI had asked both players to report to the CoE, there has been no official update on whether the India opener has joined the facility. This has raised questions over his participation in the ODI series, which will depend entirely on his fitness clearance.

The CoE has become a crucial hub for player rehabilitation and performance monitoring, especially for key players returning from injury or workload management concerns.

India’s ODI squad announced

The ODI squad for the Afghanistan series features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. Shubman Gill has been named captain, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain.

Other prominent names in the squad include Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan as wicketkeeping options. The squad also includes all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, and young talent Nitish Kumar Reddy.

The bowling attack comprises Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, alongside emerging names such as Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, and Harsh Dubey.

The final playing XI will largely depend on the availability of Rohit and Hardik, both of whom are key figures in India’s ODI setup.

Net bowlers join ahead of Afghanistan Test

Meanwhile, preparations for the one-off Test against Afghanistan have intensified, with the team management calling up several domestic players to assist in practice sessions. Among them is Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi Dar, whose exclusion from the Test squad had sparked debate in cricketing circles.

Auqib, who picked up 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy and played a key role in his team’s success, has been asked to bowl in the nets along with six other players. Also included is leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, who is expected to help batters prepare against Afghanistan’s wrist spin attack.

A BCCI source indicated that the inclusion of these net bowlers is partly due to workload management concerns. Senior pacers like Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are unlikely to bowl at full intensity in the nets following a hectic schedule, including multiple matches in a short span.

Selection debates and workload concerns

Auqib Nabi’s omission from the main squad had drawn criticism, including from former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, who questioned the selection criteria if strong performances in domestic cricket were not adequately rewarded.

Despite not being part of the 15-member Test squad, Auqib remains among the standby players along with Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar. His inclusion in the nets suggests that the team management values his recent form and may consider him for future opportunities.

Additionally, several players from the Indian Premier League (IPL) finalists are part of the Test squad. However, they are unlikely to participate in the initial practice session due to fatigue and travel commitments following the tournament.

Conclusion

With the Afghanistan series approaching, India’s preparations are in full swing, but fitness concerns surrounding key players like Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya remain a focal point. While Hardik’s arrival at the Bengaluru CoE is a positive development, Rohit’s absence adds an element of uncertainty.

The coming days will be crucial in determining the final composition of the ODI squad. As India balances workload management with performance expectations, the role of the Centre of Excellence and support staff becomes increasingly significant in ensuring player readiness for international competition.