India vs Afghanistan squad announcement live updates: Will selectors drop Rohit Sharma for ODIs?

India Today has learned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to take a final call on the inclusion of both Rohit and Hardik, while fitness concerns continue to be assessed.

Although sources suggest that he is expected to return to action 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 vital figure in India’s ODI set-up because of the balance he provides as a pace bowling all-rounder, making his fitness key to leading the team.

The selectors would want Hardik Pandya to be available before they pick the team.

Hardik has missed MI’s last few matches due to back spasms but traveled to their match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, May 20.