Hardik Pandya cleared to play in upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan amid fitness concerns

The Indian team has received a major boost as star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been cleared to play for the Men in Blue in their upcoming series against Afghanistan. The two sides are slated to take on each other across three ODIs in Lucknow, Dharamsala, and Chennai on June 13, 17, and 20. It is worth noting that Pandya had missed some games for Mumbai Indians in the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026 due to back spasms and was at the CoE in Bengaluru since June 2.