Pandya had reported to the Centre of Excellence after recovering from a back spasm injury that he sustained while representing Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. However, a fresh injury concern emerged during his evaluation, bringing another interruption to his return to international cricket.
Sources indicate that the new injury may have occurred while Pandya was completing a full 10-over bowling workload as part of his assessment process. The three-match ODI series against Afghanistan is scheduled to begin on Saturday in Dharamshala, followed by matches in Lucknow and Chennai on June 17 and June 20 respectively.
According to a Board of Control for Cricket in India source, Pandya is expected to require approximately three weeks to recover from the injury, effectively ruling him out of the entire series. The source stated that his rehabilitation process will not be completed in time for him to participate in the matches against Afghanistan.
Pandya had missed several matches for Mumbai Indians during the Indian Premier League due to injury concerns but returned to action in the franchise’s final league match against Rajasthan Royals on May 24. The latest setback comes at a crucial stage of India’s preparations as the team management seeks to provide him with increased exposure in the ODI format ahead of the next ICC Cricket World Cup.
The importance of Pandya’s role in India’s ODI plans has been evident since the 2023 Cricket World Cup, when a left ankle injury suffered during a group-stage match against Bangladesh disrupted the team’s balance and campaign. Despite recurring fitness challenges, the 32-year-old remains a key component of India’s strategy for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
In an effort to maintain his fitness and workload management for the 50-over format, selectors have kept Pandya out of India’s Twenty20 International squad for both the Afghanistan ODI series and the upcoming three-match ODI series against England next month. The decision comes despite his significant contributions to India’s success as a member of two ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-winning squads.
Pandya’s latest injury setback is a major concern for India’s long-term ODI ambitions, as the team continues to rely on his unique ability to contribute with both bat and ball ahead of the road to the 2027 World Cup.
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