Hardik Pandya ruled out of Afghanistan T20Is with leg niggle
Hardik Pandya's leg niggle puts his Afghanistan T20I return in doubt while Krunal Pandya enters selection frame for the left-arm spin role.
Hardik Pandya has been advised to pause bowling due to leg discomfort at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, putting his return for the Afghanistan T20I series in serious doubt. The 32-year-old remains under observation by the medical team. Reports indicate the leg niggle casts fresh doubt on his participation in the three-match series starting September 13.
Nitish Kumar Reddy has regained fitness and remains available for selection. The T20Is will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17 as preparation for the Asian Games cricket event in Japan. Krunal Pandya is under consideration for the left-arm spin all-rounder role following concerns over Axar Patel's recent form.
Jasprit Bumrah's recovery timeline remains uncertain for the series. The BCCI is expected to finalise the squad later this week.