Team India faces a setback as star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan due to injury.
Pandya is crucial for the team, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. His absence means the selectors must find a replacement who can effectively fill his role in the squad.
Here are three players who could replace Hardik Pandya in ODIs:
3. Auqib Nabi
Auqib Nabi, a right-arm pace all-rounder from Jammu and Kashmir, is a strong candidate to replace Hardik Pandya in the ODI squad. Known primarily for his bowling, Nabi has shown impressive form in domestic Cricket. His outstanding performances in the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 have caught attention.
The 29-year-old took 14 wickets in seven matches during this season and scored an unbeaten century against Hyderabad, becoming the third Indian to score a century batting at No. 8 or lower in a 50-over match.
2. Saransh Jain
Saransh Jain, a 33-year-old all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh, is among the most experienced players in domestic cricket and India A. He has played 47 List-A matches, scoring 553 runs at a strike rate of 80.37 and taking 38 wickets. If the team prefers an experienced player to replace Hardik, Jain is a solid option.
1. Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube against Afghanistan. (Photo Source: ARUN SANKAR/AFP via Getty Images)
Shivam Dube, a tall all-rounder from Mumbai, is expected to step in for Hardik Pandya in the ODI series. With valuable International experience, Dube can provide much-needed balance to the team. His last ODI appearance was in August 2024 against Sri Lanka, and he is eager to return to the format. In his four ODIs for India, he has scored 43 runs and taken one wicket.