The India National Cricket Team will be hosting the Afghanistan National Cricket Team for a three-match ODI series following a one-off Test. Shubman Gill’s side will be taking the field on Friday at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala. However, ahead of the series, the team’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who was announced fit, picked up an injury at the very last moment.
Hardik Pandya recently suffered an injury while doing rehab at the CoE in Bengaluru, as he picked up the injury at the last minute after being declared fit. The Mumbai Indians captain sustained a new foot injury, forcing him to miss the three-match ODI series. This is a serious concern heading into next year's ODI World Cup and finding a reliable backup for Hardik Pandya.
While speaking on JioStar's 'Follow the Blues', former India batter Suresh Raina has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to find an alternative to the injury-prone all-rounder. Hardik Pandya has been the only fast-bowling all-rounder of providing balance to the ODI side.
But his injury-prone career has disrupted his availability, leaving India in trouble whenever he is absent. "Hardik Pandya has had several injury setbacks, which is a concern. By the time the next ODI World Cup arrives, India must have a reliable backup for him," Raina said.
Hardik’s absence in the ODI World Cup 2023 was pretty much evident, as he was ruled out midway through the tournament in the game against Bangladesh. The Men in Blue struggled to replace the balance he brought to the side and ultimately they played without him in major matches and also the final without a sixth bowling option.
He bowled with good pace and control- Suresh Raina on Nitish Kumar Reddy as replacement
"His batting has become more solid. He bowled with good pace and control in the IPL, and his fitness has also held up well. The team management will need to manage his workload carefully and give him consistent opportunities," Raina said.
Suresh Raina believes that the Men in Blue should make Nitish Kumar Reddy ready as he could emerge as a strong contender for replacing Pandya. "Both are proven run-scorers in ICC World Cups. They have won ICC trophies and know how to handle pressure in knockout games. For Shubman Gill, captaining India in a World Cup, having Rohit and Virat alongside him will be a huge advantage," he added.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is gearing up as the new all-rounder
The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder has featured in four ODIs and scored a half-century during the home series against New Zealand in January. During the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, he often bowled with the new ball and more overs than in any previous season, while consistently bowling at a speed of over 135kph. This showcases his improvement in the bowling department.
Apart from Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli is also set to miss the ODI series after he picked up a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final. The former India captain will be a big miss for the Men in Blue side given his recent form in white-ball cricket across India and in the IPL. Another veteran, Rohit Sharma, has been deemed fit and is set to feature in the first game.
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