IND vs AFG: Hardik Pandya Ruled Out Of The Afghanistan Series, Will Play No Cricket Till IPL 2024

India faces another setback as T20I skipper Hardik Pandya is ruled out of the T20I series against Afghanistan. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav led the side in South Africa and against Australia at home. Hardik Pandya has been missing out on cricketing action since World Cup 2023 as he was injured during the India vs Bangladesh match during the World Cup. He was recently traded from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians.

Hardik Pandya is going to be Mumbai Indians’ new skipper in the 2024 edition of the IPL replacing Rohit Sharma. There were speculations that he could miss the IPL 2024 but he is now expected to get fit by the commencement of the 2024 edition of the IPL. However, until the commencement of IPL 2024, Hardik will not play any cricket.

Suryakumar Yadav who used to be the stand-in captain for India in the absence of Hardik Pandya is also likely to be unavailable for the Afghanistan series. The selectors are prepared to surprise everyone as they are likely to select Rohit Sharma as the captain for the Afghanistan series. The team management wants Rohit Sharma to prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 which is scheduled in June 2024.

Hardik Pandya was the captain of Gujarat Titans for two seasons and led them to the finals in both seasons. He also won the 2022 edition with Gujarat Titans. However, he was traded to Mumbai Indians ahead of the auctions and MI announced him as their new skipper with Rohit Sharma stripped off his role after winning five IPL titles with them as the skipper.

Hardik Pandya Replaced Rohit Sharma As Mumbai Indians’ Skipper

Hardik Pandya ruled out of the Afghanistan T20I series.

– He will be fit for IPL 2024….!!!! pic.twitter.com/iTzN7U74nV

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 27, 2023

Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians’ skipper and now Rohit Sharma is likely to take back his position as India’s T20I skipper in the Afghanistan series. If Rohit Sharma is fit and available for the T20 World Cup scheduled in June then he will be leading the side in the World Cup again. Hardik Pandya was announced as the skipper when Rohit and Virat decided to take a rest in T20Is after the 2022 World Cup to prepare for a busy Test and ODI season in 2023.

Rohit Sharma has led India to the semi-finals in the 2022 T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue lost in the semis against England who went on to win the World Cup. Rohit Sharma was without the services of his two main players Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah during the 2022 T20 World Cup and still, he led the team to the semi-finals with a lot of inexperience, especially in the bowling department.

India will face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series starting on January 11. Rohit Sharma is likely to lead the side with Ruturaj Gaikwad expected to be his deputy. Afghanistan has never won a match against India and they would be looking to change the history this time. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya will be back in action in the IPL 2024.