'Hardik Pandya will have to pick and choose now' - Wasim Jaffer on star player’s workload management amid IND vs AFG 2026 series

Wasim Jaffer said that Hardik Pandya will have to manage his workload effectively, especially in 50-over cricket, with the ODI World Cup scheduled to take place next year. As the marquee event will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, where the ball is expected to seam and swing, having Hardik fully fit will be key for two-time champions India.

Hardik has been picked in India's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. His selection was subject to him clearing the fitness tests at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. According to reports, he has cleared the tests and is set to link up with the team soon. However, the Baroda all-rounder has not been picked in India's squads for the subsequent T20I series in Ireland and England.

Jaffer believes that giving rest to Hardik in the shortest format is the correct decision from the team management and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. The former India opener said that there are not many players who possess similar skill sets to Hardik.

"I feel he will also have to pick and choose now. He has also come from surgery. Test cricket is certainly out of the question. He cannot take that load. In 50 overs, he will have to choose which games he will play and which he will not, considering the World Cup. So I think it is a fair call. A few players deserve to be rested. We do not have a lot of options like him, and he gives that balance, so we need to look after him," he said on his YouTube channel.

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Jaffer said that India are firm favourites to emerge victorious in the ODI series against Afghanistan. He went on to the extent of saying that even one win for Afghanistan in the series would be a great shock for Shubman Gill's men. However, the cricketer-turned-commentator did add that the series will give Afghanistan some great preparation ahead of the World Cup.

"India are favorites without a doubt. Afghanistan pose more of a challenge in T20. 50-over will also be a little tough for them. We are expected to win most of the games. If Afghanistan wins one game, also it will be a great surprise and a shock for India. But Afghanistan have a good opportunity to have clarity after this series as to who they want to back for the World Cup."