Hardik Pandya’s participation in the rest of the World Cup 2023 matches seems dicey as he is suspected suffered a level-one ligament tear in his ankle. The Indian team management is revising their strategy and is not in favour of throwing him back into the game yet. It is unlikely that Hardik Pandya will be available for the upcoming games. A decision regarding his participation will be made in the coming week.
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After delivering just three balls against Bangladesh at the MCA Stadium in Pune, Hardik Pandya injured his ankle. Due to this unfortunate injury, he did not travel to Dharamsala with the Indian team and missed the subsequent game against New Zealand on Sunday 22 October, which India won by four wickets. Prior to this, it was thought that Pandya would just miss one game due to a minor injury.
Hardik Pandya has ligament tear. He's doubtful for the next 3 matches in the World Cup. (TOI). pic.twitter.com/ndP89Iyqyh
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 26, 2023
It is now revealed that the injury is much more serious than it appeared initially as the all-rounder has suffered a grade one ligament tear. It’s doubtful that Hardik Pandya will make a return for India’s upcoming match against England on October 29 in Lucknow. It is also unlikely that he will be available for the upcoming two games in the first week of November against South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Hardik Pandya will most likely stay back at the National Cricket Academy (NCA)in Bengaluru for injury management. He will reportedly start bowling towards the weekend.
Due to his extraordinary abilities, Pandya is a crucial member of the team. His skill with deceptive bouncers, his ability to deliver heavy balls unexpectedly, and his knack for hitting boundaries all play a major part in the team’s overall balance. However, team India is currently leading the points table comfortably with 5 victories in their 5 games. Hence, Pandya can be rested till the last four stages later in November.
In the absence of Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav was the part of playing 11 along with Shami, who took a fifer against New Zealand on Sunday. However, with a spin-friendly track in Lucknow, Aswin could prove to be an asset and can make a comeback to replace Siraj.
