Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have been given a two-week period to demonstrate their fitness, or they may risk losing their spots in India’s ODI team for the forthcoming series against Afghanistan. While both players were included in the squad released by the selectors, chief selector Ajit Agarkar made it clear that they need to pass essential fitness assessments prior to rejoining the team.
“I mean, sometimes the player knows whether he can play through it or not,” Agarkar stated. “I wouldn’t be able to tell you, sitting here, whether they are playing through niggles or not. You certainly want them fit when they come and play or represent the national team, but that’s an area of expertise for the trainers and physios who provide feedback on a player’s condition,” he mentioned.
It is believed that if either player does not meet the necessary fitness criteria, substitutes will be selected, as indicated by BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia.
“I’m not an expert in that area. If they inform me that a certain player is fit, I need to trust that information when making selections. Should we find out in two weeks that those two players have not fully met the fitness requirements, we will make decisions based on that. However, at this moment, I have been informed that they are on track, and we will assess the situation. As to whether they have been playing with any issues, I cannot say; I rely on what the physio advises me, and I have complete confidence in the Indian physio’s judgment,” Agarkar added.
“I mean, sometimes the player knows whether he can play through it or not,” Agarkar stated. “I wouldn’t be able to tell you, sitting here, whether they are playing through niggles or not. You certainly want them fit when they come and play or represent the national team, but that’s an area of expertise for the trainers and physios who provide feedback on a player’s condition,” he mentioned.
It is believed that if either player does not meet the necessary fitness criteria, substitutes will be selected, as indicated by BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia.
“I’m not an expert in that area. If they inform me that a certain player is fit, I need to trust that information when making selections. Should we find out in two weeks that those two players have not fully met the fitness requirements, we will make decisions based on that. However, at this moment, I have been informed that they are on track, and we will assess the situation. As to whether they have been playing with any issues, I cannot say; I rely on what the physio advises me, and I have complete confidence in the Indian physio’s judgment,” Agarkar added.
First Published: May 20, 2026 8:04 PM IST
