Hardik Pandya Ruled Out Of Afghanistan ODI Series After Suffering Fresh Quadriceps Strain

India's plans for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan have suffered a setback after Hardik Pandya was ruled out with a quadriceps strain , just hours after receiving clearance to return to competitive cricket.

The star all-rounder had been recovering from a back spasm injury sustained during the Indian Premier League while representing Mumbai Indians. Following an extended rehabilitation programme at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru , Pandya had successfully completed fitness assessments and was considered fit enough to be included in India's squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan.

However, shortly after being cleared for selection, Pandya picked up a fresh injury during the final stages of his assessment. It is understood that the quadriceps strain may have occurred after he bowled his full quota of 10 overs as part of the evaluation process at the CoE.

The development explains the sudden turn of events after reports on Tuesday indicated that Pandya had received the all-clear for an ODI return. While the back injury had healed sufficiently, the new muscle strain has forced him out of the series before it even begins.

According to a BCCI source, Pandya is expected to require around three weeks of rehabilitation , leaving no possibility of him participating in the Afghanistan assignment.

"With three weeks for recovery, there is absolutely no chance of him playing the ODI series as his rehabilitation will not be complete," the source said.

The ODI series against Afghanistan will begin in Dharamsala on June 13 , with the remaining matches scheduled in Lucknow on June 17 and Chennai on June 20 .

Pandya had missed several IPL matches because of his back problem but returned for Mumbai Indians' final league-stage fixture against Rajasthan Royals on May 24. The latest setback raises fresh concerns over the fitness and workload management of one of India's most important all-rounders ahead of a busy international season.