Hardik Pandya Ruled Out of England ODI Series, Kohli Fitness Test Puts India on Alert

June 21, 2026: Hardik Pandya has reportedly been ruled out of India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against England, scheduled for July, as concerns over his fitness continue to grow. In the meantime, Virat Kohli is also set to undergo a crucial fitness assessment later this month, which will determine his availability for the same series.

The England tour will begin on July 1 with a five-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series, which is expected to conclude in late July. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already announced the T20I squad, the ODI squad is yet to be officially revealed.

Hardik Pandya’s ongoing fitness struggles

Hardik Pandya’s injury concerns have once again become a major setback for India’s white-ball plans. The all-rounder is currently dealing with a leg strain, which adds to his earlier history of back spasms that forced him to miss four matches for the Mumbai Indians during the recent IPL season.

Throughout the IPL, Pandya struggled to find consistency, both as a player and as a captain. Mumbai Indians finished in the lower half of the table, and Pandya managed 206 runs in 10 innings at an average of 22.88, with a strike rate of 138.25, along with just four wickets.

He is also absent from the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan. Earlier, ahead of that series, Pandya had reportedly been declared fit by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) and had even submitted his fitness report to the board before a late complication disrupted his return.

According to a source quoted by ANI, “He was declared fit by COE and sent his fitness report to the Board two days before, but after his final session before leaving COE, he had some issues about his fitness.”

However, his situation worsened later when fresh concerns emerged during his rehabilitation phase. A report also suggested that he suffered a quadriceps strain, which has further delayed his recovery and now places his availability for the England ODI series in serious doubt.

Kohli’s fitness test becomes a key checkpoint

India are also monitoring Virat Kohli’s recovery closely, as the senior batter continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their title.

Kohli was initially included in the squad for the Afghanistan ODI series but was forced to withdraw due to the injury. He is now expected to undergo a fitness test on June 26 at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, which will determine whether he can return for the England ODIs.

A report from Jagran suggests that Kohli’s assessment will play a decisive role in shaping India’s batting lineup for the upcoming series, especially given his importance in the ODI setup after stepping away from Tests and T20Is.

Growing concerns ahead of major tournaments

Pandya’s recurring injuries have become a serious concern for India’s long-term planning, particularly with the team looking to build a stable core for the next ODI World Cup cycle. The management had hoped to gradually increase his workload in the 50-over format, but repeated setbacks continue to disrupt that strategy.

His previous injury issues also affected India during the 2023 ODI World Cup, when a left ankle injury forced a reshuffle in the team balance. Despite these challenges, Pandya remains an important part of India’s future plans, including the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

At the same time, selectors are actively exploring backup options. Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged as a strong contender, with the management gradually integrating him into the ODI setup as a potential long-term replacement.

India’s injury worries are therefore not limited to Hardik Pandya alone. With Virat Kohli also under an injury cloud, the team management faces an important selection phase ahead of a crucial away series against England, where squad balance and fitness will play a decisive role.