Who Will Replace Hardik Pandya For IND vs AFG ODI Series?

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the ODI series against Afghanistan starting from June 13 in Dharamsala. Hardik, who is a key player in India's set-up, brings experience as well as his all-round skills with him.

It is to be noted that Hardik Pandya had cleared all the fitness tests conducted at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) ahead of the series. However, according to TOI, he won't be available for the Afghanistan ODIs due to a back and a quadriceps injury.

It is surprising to see Hardik not playing this series as he was deemed fully fit earlier. However, he went to a hospital in Bengaluru on June 9 and was subsequently declared unfit. Hardik Pandya injury has come at a time when the series is about to begin. Now that he has been ruled out, let's have a look at some of Hardik Pandya replacements for Afghanistan ODIs.

Who Will Replace Hardik Pandya For IND vs AFG ODI Series?

Hardik Pandya replacement for the IND vs AFG ODIs is yet to be announced, however, there are three players who can be included in the squad. All these players are in good form and can be a perfect replacement for Pandya.

1. Shivam Dube - Dube is now an experienced player in India's line-up despite not being in the ODI scheme of things. He has already proven his credentials in the T20 format as a finisher who can chip in with a few overs as well.

For a long time, Shivam Dube was seen as Hardik Pandya's replacement as Team India's all-rounder. But Nitish Kumar Reddy's emergence has pegged him back a bit. But he still remains one of the best all-rounders in India and can be a capable replacement for Pandya.

2. Tilak Varma - Tilak is already seen as the future captain of Team India. A quality middle order batter with an excellent temperament, Tilak Varma is already is one of the best T20 batsmen going around.
He is yet to establish himself in ODIs but hasn't been able to get into the squad due to the high compeitition. The upcoming series against Afghanistan can be a good opportunity as he can replace Hardik Pandya for the finisher's role.

3. Rajat Patidar - Patidar can be a wild pick to replace Hardik Pandya in this series. The right-hander is in excellent form with the bat and recently won the IPL 2026 title while leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Rajat Patidar is currently playing in the Madhya Pradesh League 2026. He is an excellent player of spin, which is Afghanistan's strength as well. It makes him a perfect fit to replace Hardik for this series.

Replacing Hardik won't be easy as he is one of the best all-rounders in the world. The right-hander is a clutch player known for his big match temperament. With India preparing for the ODI World Cup 2027, he remains a vital player.