Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is already ruled out from India’s next game in the World Cup 2023 – against England on Sunday in Lucknow. However, more concerning reports have emerged that state that Pandya’s injury is more serious than it was initially thought to be, and he is likely to miss multiple matches.
Hardik Pandya suffered an ankle injury while bowling against Bangladesh in Pune; that injury is now being learned to be “ligament damage”. Pandya tried to stop a straight drive from Litton Das with his right foot but twisted it. The physio attended him at the ground and then he walked off after hobbling.
The 30-year-old all-rounder was then flown to Bangalore to get treatment at the NCA. He missed the game against New Zealand in Dharamsala but was initially expected to be available for the England game this Sunday in Lucknow.
Will Hardik Pandya play against England?
No. Not only Hardik Pandya is ruled out from the England match, but he could also miss the next few matches against Sri Lanka in Mumbai on November 2, and against South Africa in Kolkata on November 5.
There are sources who said Pandya could play with injections but the NCA doctors and the management don’t want to take any risk of aggravating the injury, especially because India are very close to sealing a semi-final berth.
Even if not in the remainder of the league matches, the management is hoping to have Hardik Pandya’s services in the knockouts on November November 15/16.
Cricbuzz reported: “There are growing concerns that Hardik Pandya’s absence from the Indian team may extend longer than initially anticipated. There is now serious discussion about the possibility of his recovery taking even more time.” The positive news is that, Cricbuzz added, “informed sources continue to insist that it is a minor injury”.
In the absence of Hardik Pandya, India made two changes against the Kiwis: Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami came in for Pandya and Shardul Thakur. While Shami took a 5-wicket haul, SKY got run out for only 2 runs against New Zealand.
