Hardik Pandya has received fitness clearance to participate in the upcoming 2026 India vs Afghanistan ODI series [1].

This development is critical for the Indian national team's balance, as Pandya provides essential all-round capabilities. His return ensures the squad has a primary pace-bowling option who can also contribute significant runs in the middle order.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) required both Pandya and Rohit Sharma to undergo fitness assessments at the Centre of Excellence, also known as the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru [2]. These tests were designed to determine the eligibility of both players for selection in the series [1, 3].

While Pandya completed his evaluation and was cleared for play [3], reports indicate that Rohit Sharma did not attend the summons [2]. The BCCI said both players were requested to report for the tests, but only Pandya arrived at the facility [2].

The fitness protocols at the NCA serve as the final hurdle for players returning from injury or requiring a baseline health check before international duty. The absence of Sharma from the scheduled test leaves his status for the series uncertain, contrasting with the confirmed availability of Pandya [2, 3].

Officials from the BCCI, including Secretary Devajit Saikia, said they have been overseeing the process to ensure players meet the required physical standards before being named in the official squad [2].

“Hardik Pandya has received fitness clearance to participate in the upcoming 2026 India vs Afghanistan ODI series”

The disparity in attendance at the NCA suggests a divergence in the readiness of two of India's most senior players. While Pandya's clearance solidifies the team's all-round strength, Sharma's absence from the fitness test creates a vacancy in the leadership and opening batting structure that the selectors must now address before the series begins.