Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer has opined that all-rounder Hardik Pandya should be smart in managing his workload after IPL 2026. Pandya has been picked in the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, but his participation is subject to fitness clearance.

The all-rounder is also rested for the upcoming UK tour, where India will play two T20Is against Ireland and five T20Is against England. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been picked as Pandya’s replacement. 

Meanwhile, Pandya scored 206 runs in 10 matches at an average of 22.89 and a strike rate of 138.25 in IPL 2026. Furthermore, he could only pick four wickets in 10 games at a high economy rate of 11.42. Thus, he could not deliver consistently for the franchise.

“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,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

The former domestic giant picked India as the clear favorites ahead of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan.

“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.”

India will take on Afghanistan in the first ODI at Dharamshala on Saturday.