Hardik Pandya injury: 3 players who can replace him in IND vs AFG ODI 2026

In a major setback for Team India, Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan due to a leg injury. The all-rounder had initially cleared fitness assessments at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after completing a week of structured drills and medical checks. However, a late fitness concern has forced him to withdraw from the June series, with BCCI sources confirming that he will remain at the facility to continue his rehabilitation programme.

At this stage, it is still not clear whether the selection committee will name a replacement for the 32-year-old all-rounder. His participation in the ODI series against England in July is also uncertain and will depend entirely on how well he responds to recovery in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, members of the Indian ODI squad are expected to assemble in Mohali on Wednesday for an optional training session at the IS Bindra Stadium before moving to Dharamsala on Thursday. Rohit Sharma has been cleared to feature in the series, while Virat Kohli has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Yashasvi Jaiswal has already been confirmed as Kohli’s replacement in the squad.

Pandya, who recently led Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026, had joined the Centre of Excellence on June 2 for his final fitness clearance with the BCCI Sports Science team. He had earlier dealt with back spasms during the IPL season, which also forced him to miss several matches for his franchise.

With Hardik now unavailable, India are left with a major gap in the all-round department. Although players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are already part of the 50-over setup, attention has now turned to possible replacements. In this article, we take a look at three players who could step in for Hardik Pandya in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan.

3. Shardul Thakur 

At number three on this list is Shardul Thakur, widely regarded as a strong contender to replace Hardik Pandya for the Afghanistan ODI series. Known as a genuine “game-changer” with both bat and ball, Shardul brings the ability to break partnerships and also contribute crucial runs in the lower order. An aggressive fast bowler, he is capable of generating movement with the new ball while maintaining a hard-hitting, attacking approach that puts batters under pressure. Over the years, he has developed into a dependable option in India’s pace-bowling all-rounder role.

Shardul had a steady IPL 2026 season with the Mumbai Indians, where he played 9 matches. With the ball, he picked up 12 wickets, including a best performance of 4/39. He bowled with an economy rate of 12.27 and an average of 22.50, often being used in key phases of the game. His ability to strike in crucial moments once again highlighted his value as a wicket-taking option in the shorter format.

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With the bat, Shardul also showed glimpses of his lower-order hitting ability. In IPL 2026, he scored 24 runs with a highest score of 10 not out, striking at 80.00. While his batting opportunities were limited, he remained a useful contributor when required. His all-round impact continues to make him a valuable squad player in white-ball cricket.

In ODIs, Shardul Thakur has represented India in 47 matches, taking 65 wickets with best figures of 4/37. He maintains an economy rate of 6.22 and a bowling average of 30.98, showing his ability to stay effective in the 50-over format. With the bat as well, he has played several handy cameos, proving his usefulness as a lower-order option. His dual skill set keeps him firmly in contention whenever India looks for an experienced all-rounder replacement. He last played for India against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19, 2023.

2. Shivam Dube

At number two on this list is Shivam Dube, who stands out as another strong option to replace Hardik Pandya in the upcoming ODI series. Although he has been mainly used in India’s T20I setup in recent years and has also been part of trophy-winning squads, Dube brings a rare combination of power hitting and useful medium-pace bowling. His biggest strength remains his ability to clear the boundaries with ease, especially against spin, where he can completely change the momentum of a match. Along with that, he can also roll his arm over with a few variations, which can sometimes provide crucial breakthroughs at important moments.

Dube has also been active in IPL 2026 with Chennai Super Kings, where he played 13 matches and batted in 12 innings. He scored 270 runs at an average of 38.57 and a strike rate of 158.82, with a top score of 47. His aggressive approach was once again on display, as he hit 24 fours and 15 sixes during the season, proving his value as a middle-order impact player who can accelerate quickly.

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With the ball, Dube had limited opportunities in IPL 2026, bowling just a few overs across the season. He delivered 30 balls and picked up 1 wicket, with best figures of 1/30. While his bowling is not his primary role, it adds balance to the team when needed and gives the captain an additional option in tight situations.

At the international level, Shivam Dube has played 4 ODIs and 64 T20Is for India. In ODIs, he has scored 43 runs, while in T20Is, he has made 991 runs at an average of 30.96 and a strike rate of 154.12, including 6 half-centuries. With the ball in T20Is, he has taken 31 wickets, showing that he can contribute in both departments. His all-round ability and explosive batting make him a strong contender whenever India looks for a Hardik Pandya-like replacement.

1. Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya stands as a strong option to replace his brother Hardik Pandya in the upcoming India vs Afghanistan ODI squad. With India looking for a reliable all-rounder who can provide balance with both bat and ball, Krunal brings a similar skill set and valuable experience in high-pressure matches. His ability to adapt to different situations makes him a dependable backup choice in the absence of Hardik.

Although primarily known as a left-arm orthodox spinner, Krunal is not a traditional slow bowler. In modern T20 and limited-overs cricket, he has developed into a more versatile option by adding variations, changing his pace cleverly, and even using round-arm deliveries to surprise batters. His street-smart approach and ability to bowl tighter spells make him an effective middle-overs option for any team.

Fresh off a successful IPL 2026 season and multiple title wins with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Krunal once again showed his value as an all-round performer. He contributed important runs in the lower order and also picked up crucial wickets at key moments. His all-round impact under pressure highlighted why he remains a trusted name in franchise cricket.

Overall, Krunal Pandya stands as a strong option to replace his brother Hardik Pandya in the upcoming Ind vs AFG squad, especially because of his ability to contribute in both departments. His ODI experience, control with the ball, and useful batting make him a balanced choice, giving India stability and flexibility in the all-rounder role.