Why is Hardik Pandya not playing IND vs AFG 2nd ODI?
(Courtesy : BCCI)
Hardik Pandya also missed India’s first ODI against Afghanistan in Dharamsala.
India will enter the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow with a chance to clinch the three-match series after securing a seven-wicket victory in the opener in Dharamsala. The hosts made three changes to their XI with the team management continuing to give opportunities to players ahead of packed international calendar.
The ODI series is an important assignment for India as they continue preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Several senior players have returned to the squad after injury concerns, while the selectors are also evaluating combinations in both the batting and bowling departments.
Among the notable absentees from the playing XI and the series is premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya. His absence has generated considerable interest given his importance to India’s balance in the 50-over format and his status as one of the team’s key pace-bowling all-rounders.
Why did Hardik Pandya miss IND vs AFG second ODI?
Hardik Pandya is not playing the second ODI against Afghanistan because he has been ruled out of the entire three-match series after suffering a quadriceps strain during his rehabilitation period at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The all-rounder had initially received fitness clearance after recovering from the back spasms that forced him to miss a portion of IPL 2026. Reports stated that Pandya completed extensive match simulations and bowled his full quota during fitness assessments at the Centre of Excellence before suffering a fresh injury setback.
According to reports, the quadriceps strain was detected shortly before he was due to join the Indian squad for the Afghanistan series. The injury required further rehabilitation, forcing the team management to rule him out before the opening ODI in Dharamsala.
Pandya’s absence leaves India without their first-choice seam-bowling all-rounder, a role he has occupied across formats in recent years. Since returning to international cricket after earlier injury issues, he has remained a crucial part of India’s ODI plans due to his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
With India already leading the series 1-0, the focus will now remain on Pandya’s recovery timeline and whether he can return to full fitness in time for India’s upcoming white-ball assignments later this season.
What injury has Hardik Pandya suffered?
The Indian all-rounder sustained a quadriceps strain shortly before the Afghanistan ODI series after recovering from a back injury.
When is Hardik Pandya expected to return to action?
The BCCI has not announced an official return date for Pandya. His comeback will depend on his recovery and subsequent fitness assessments.
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Anubha Anandita Pathak is a sports enthusiast with a strong passion for cricket and basketball, shaped by her experience as a district-level basketball and kabaddi player. A loyal Golden State Warriors supporter, she closely follows Stephen Curry’s style of play. With on-ground reporting experience covering the Indian Super League and Karnataka’s hockey circuit, Anubha brings both perspective and passion to her storytelling.