IND vs AFG, Hardik Pandya: A three-match T20 series is scheduled to be played between India and Afghanistan, starting September 13th. However, Team India has suffered a major setback ahead of this series. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya may be ruled out of the series. According to reports, Hardik, who is working on his fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, has suffered a leg injury. This injury has put a halt to Hardik’s return and makes it difficult for him to play in the T20 series against Afghanistan.

Hardik Pandya will not be able to play in the Afghanistan series!

According to a report in the Times of India, Hardik Pandya may be out of the upcoming T20 series against Afghanistan. According to the report, Hardik has been working hard on his fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), but a leg injury has now made it difficult for him to play. The selectors will select Team India for the three-match T20 series against Afghanistan this week, and Hardik’s selection appears unlikely.

A source told TOI, “Hardik Pandya was recovering quickly without any complications, but has been advised to stop bowling due to a leg injury. He will resume bowling soon, but with the Afghanistan series approaching, it’s impossible to reach the required fitness level. There are no significant issues with batting or movement, but he will only be allowed to play after he is fully satisfied.”

Hardik has been out of the field for a long time

32-year-old Hardik Pandya was last seen playing for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026 on May 24. Hardik has not played a competitive match since. He last played for India in the T20 World Cup final on March 8. Since then, he has missed the home ODI series against Afghanistan and the subsequent ODI series against Ireland and England.

Hardik suffered a minor quadriceps sprain just before the ODI series against Afghanistan. Since then, he has been working on his fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and awaiting a return to the team. However, a leg injury has now put a halt to his return to international cricket.

There is still uncertainty over the availability of Jasprit Bumrah.

According to an earlier report, all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar appear to be fully fit, but the availability of veteran fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah remains uncertain. Bumrah may miss the T20 series against Afghanistan. However, he may be seen playing in the upcoming Asian Games.