Bengaluru: India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been declared fully fit and cleared to return to One Day Internationals after successfully completing fitness assessments at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE). The development comes as a major boost for Team India ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, set to begin on Sunday in Dharamsala.
Successful fitness assessment at CoE
Pandya, who had been sidelined during parts of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to back spasms, reported to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on June 2 after a short overseas break. Over the course of five days, the 32-year-old underwent intensive training, including match simulations designed to test his readiness for competitive cricket.
According to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pandya bowled his full quota of 10 overs during these sessions without experiencing any discomfort. This was a key indicator of his recovery, as bowling workload is often the most demanding aspect for an all-rounder returning from injury.
Fitness data collected during the sessions was thoroughly analysed by the Strength and Conditioning team, who subsequently cleared him for selection. The positive assessment confirms that Pandya is ready to handle the physical demands of 50-over cricket.
Key boost for India’s ODI setup
Pandya’s return significantly strengthens India’s white-ball squad, where he plays a crucial role as a pace-bowling all-rounder. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides valuable balance to the team, especially in the middle and death overs.
Known for his explosive batting, Pandya has often been relied upon to accelerate the scoring rate in the final stages of an innings. Additionally, his capability to bowl a full spell makes him a vital asset in the ODI format, where team composition requires versatility.
The confirmation of his fitness will come as a relief to team management, which has been closely monitoring his progress in recent weeks.
Coaching staff optimistic about recovery
India’s assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak had earlier indicated that while there was no official update on Pandya’s condition, initial signs suggested that the all-rounder was recovering well. The latest development has now confirmed those expectations.
The coaching staff is expected to integrate Pandya into the squad either during a preparatory session in Chandigarh or directly in Dharamsala, depending on logistical considerations. His participation in the series opener will likely depend on final team plans and match readiness.
Rohit Sharma also under observation
Meanwhile, former India captain Rohit Sharma is also undergoing evaluation at the Centre of Excellence. The experienced opener has been dealing with a hamstring niggle that kept him out of several matches during the IPL.
The BCCI medical team is currently assessing his condition, and a decision regarding his availability for upcoming matches will be taken based on his recovery progress.
Focus on Afghanistan series
The upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan presents an important opportunity for India to fine-tune their combination ahead of future international assignments. With key players returning from injuries, the series will serve as a platform to test bench strength and build momentum.
Pandya’s presence in the squad is expected to add depth and flexibility, allowing the team to experiment with different strategies and combinations.
Conclusion
Hardik Pandya’s successful return to full fitness marks a significant positive for Indian cricket. His ability to bowl a complete spell and contribute effectively with the bat makes him an indispensable part of the ODI setup. As India prepares to take on Afghanistan, all eyes will be on Pandya to deliver impactful performances and reaffirm his role as one of the team’s key match-winners.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)