India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the ODI series against Afghanistan after suffering a sprained ankle, just a day after reportedly clearing his fitness test.

According to reports, the injury is a low-grade sprain in the middle of his ankle. Although not considered long-term, it is serious enough for the medical team to advise complete rest for the next couple of weeks. As a result, Pandya may now spend time at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.

The ODI series between India national cricket team and Afghanistan national cricket team begins on June 13 in Dharamsala, followed by matches in Lucknow (June 17) and Chennai (June 20).

Pandya was expected to return to ODI cricket after a gap of 14 months, but the injury has once again delayed his comeback. His absence also leaves the team management with a selection challenge, as the BCCI is yet to confirm a replacement.

The injury is a setback for India ahead of the series, especially given Pandya’s role as a key all-round option in the white-ball setup.