The Indian team has received a big positive, as Hardik Pandya has been declared fit for the upcoming series against Afghanistan. Fans will be able to see him perform for the Indian team in the 50-over format after a long time. While Pandya had his name in the squad, his availability in the series was subject to clearance from the BCCI CoE. 

Pandya sustained an injury in the Indian Premier League, as he even missed out on some matches for the Mumbai Indians. But eventually, he made his return towards the end of the tournament and even played well. Before the series against Afghanistan, the Indian all-rounder had to spend some time at the BCCI CoE and complete the fitness tests. 

Reports claim that Hardik Pandya has passed all the fitness tests for the same. This also means that the BCCI has cleared him to participate in the ODI series against Afghanistan. It comes as a massive boost for the Indian team, giving them a finisher and an extra pace bowling option in the same player. 

Our Take 
Hardik Pandya being cleared ahead of the series against Afghanistan is a massive boost. The series against Afghanistan would be his first since India won the Champions Trophy last year. While India had a gap in the ODI format, Pandya suffered an injury during the Asia Cup 2025, which kept him out of many series. Now, with the Indian team looking at the 2027 World Cup, Pandya's availability remains crucial.