Rohit Sharma And Hardik Pandya Face Fitness Tests Ahead Of India Afghanistan Series

India's squad for the upcoming Afghanistan series could receive a major boost if senior players Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya successfully clear fitness assessments in the coming days. Both cricketers have been named in the ODI squad, but their participation remains dependent on approval from the medical team.

The Afghanistan tour begins with a one-off Test match on June 6, followed by a three-match ODI series starting June 13. With a packed international calendar ahead, team management is taking a cautious approach regarding player workload after the recently concluded IPL season.

Reports indicate that Hardik Pandya is set to spend around a week at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he will undergo training and monitoring before joining the ODI squad. Rohit Sharma has also been asked to report to the facility, though details regarding his arrival remain unclear. The final decision on both players is expected after their fitness evaluations.

India's ODI squad combines experienced campaigners with promising young talent. Shubman Gill will captain the side, while Shreyas Iyer has been appointed vice-captain. Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan strengthen the batting unit, while Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy provide balance as all-rounders.

The bowling department features a mix of established and emerging names, including Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna. Youngsters Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey have also earned opportunities in the squad.

Ahead of the Test match, India have invited several domestic performers to assist with preparations. Among them is Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar, who impressed during the Ranji Trophy season by finishing as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 60 wickets. Although he has not been selected in the main Test squad, he will join the camp as a net bowler and remains among the standby options.

Leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari has also been called in to help Indian batters prepare for Afghanistan's strong spin attack. Team officials believe the additional net bowlers will ensure quality practice sessions, particularly as some frontline fast bowlers continue to recover from a demanding IPL schedule.

Several players involved in the IPL final are expected to join preparations later, with the coaching staff prioritising recovery and workload management before the international assignments begin.