India suffer major setback as Hardik Pandya's return delayed after last-minute injury scare: Report

India have suffered a major setback ahead of the ODI series against Afghanistan, with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya set to miss the entire three-match assignment due to a leg sprain.

The development comes as a surprise because reports just a day earlier had suggested that Hardik had successfully cleared all fitness tests at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru and was ready to rejoin the national team.

According to a report by TimesofIndia.com, Hardik suffered a low-grade leg sprain, which has forced him to delay his return to competitive cricket. The all-rounder was expected to join the Shubman Gill-led squad in Dharamsala on June 11 but will now remain in Bengaluru for at least two more weeks.

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"There has been a very late setback. He sustained a low-grade, mild leg sprain causing some tenderness. It's nothing long-term, but medical staff advised him to avoid any strain or weight-bearing for the next few days. Hardik will continue to stay in Bengaluru, consulting with CoE physios and trainers during his recovery phase," a BCCI official told TOI.

Huge setback for Team India

The news is particularly disappointing for Team India because Hardik was expected to make his ODI return after more than a year. What makes the setback even more surprising is that Hardik had reportedly completed several match simulations and bowled his full quota of 10 overs during fitness assessments at the CoE last week.

India are already without Virat Kohli, who was ruled out of the series because of a hamstring injury. Rohit Sharma's availability is also under doubt due to injury concerns. Losing Hardik as well is a significant blow for captain Shubman Gill, who will now have to prepare for the series without them.

The ODI series against Afghanistan begins in Dharamsala on June 14 before moving to Lucknow on June 17 and Chennai on June 20.