The return of star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who was injured in a World Cup match against Bangladesh, is apparently going to be further delayed. During India’s match against Bangladesh on October 19, Pandya, who covers a significant void in the Indian team, sustained an ankle injury from his own bowling.
The 30-year-old was supposed to travel to Lucknow, where India will play England, after being ruled out of the match against New Zealand. As per the reports, the comeback will be postponed and that he won’t be participating in the next two to three tournament matches.
India’s next two games are against England (October 29) and Sri Lanka (November 2). November 5th will see the Men in Blue play South Africa, and November 12th will be the final league matchup against the Netherlands. Pandya did not begin bowling following the injury.
“Hardik is still under prescription. While the swelling to his left side lower leg has subsided considerably, he will begin bowling by the end of the week. At present, significant is to give him an opportunity to recuperate,” an NCA source said.
Notably, Pandya’s injury status and possible return to action were disclosed by a BCCI source. “Pandya has experienced a terrible injury yet luckily not a fracture. The BCCI medical team needs to avoid potential risk. He is probably going to miss the following a few matches. The team needs him completely fit for the take out stage,” the source said.
An update on Pandya had previously been given by BCCI. Pandya is advised to rest after being taken for scans, according to the Indian board. During India’s game against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, vice captain of Team India Hardik Pandya suffered an injury to his left ankle while fielding on his own bowling. After being taken for scans, the all-around player was told to rest. His care will be continuously monitored by the BCCI Medical Team, according to a release issued by BCCI on October 20.
The Men in Blue are the only undefeated team in the tournament and have a foot in the semifinals. They currently have 10 points in the tournament and have won five of their last five games. Taking into account, India’s predominance in the marquee event, it wouldn’t be a guileless choice to rest Pandya for a couple of games. This could permit him to be in full bore for the final league games and the knockouts (assuming India reach at there).