India’s squad for the upcoming home series against Afghanistan is expected to be announced later today, but uncertainty remains over the availability of senior players Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya for the three-match ODI series of the tour.

As new captain Shubman Gill is set to lead India in the ODIs, the focus has turned to the fitness status of two experienced campaigners whose availability remains unclear ahead of selection.

India Today has learned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to take a final decision on the inclusion of both Rohit and Hardik, as assessment over fitness concerns is ongoing.

Afghanistan is to tour India from 6 to 20 June. The series will consist of a one-off Test in Mullanpur followed by three ODIs in Dharamshala, Lucknow and Chennai.

Rohit is still yet to meet the fitness standards

Rohit’s availability is under scrutiny as he is yet to meet the high-speed running and fielding standards set by the BCCI, which are part of the selection criteria for ODI cricket.

The former India captain has been largely portrayed as a Impact options during the current IPL seasonLimiting your workload in the field. Although there is no indication of any major injury concerns, the selectors are understood to be assessing whether he can meet the physical standards required to return to full ODI duties.

His possible absence will be a significant talking point given his experience at the top of the order, although India’s leadership change in the format has already begun with Gill taking charge.

Hardik is waiting for fitness clearance

It is understood that Hardik’s condition also remains uncertain due to fitness issue. Dealing with lower back stiffness.

Although sources say that he is expected to play in the coming days, his availability for the Afghanistan series will depend on whether he is able to successfully complete the required fitness assessments.

Hardik remains a key figure in India’s ODI setup as he provides balance as a fast bowling all-rounder, making his fitness status a major concern for the team management.

With the squad expected to be announced later in the day, clarity on Rohit and Hardik will be closely watched as India prepare for Gill’s first ODI assignment as captain and begin the next phase of his white-ball transition.

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