New Delhi
Hardik Pandya, the fast-bowling all-rounder and vice-captain of the Indian cricket team, will not be traveling with the squad to Dharamshala ahead of their upcoming match against New Zealand on Sunday. This decision comes as a result of a left ankle injury sustained during India’s fourth league match of the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup against Bangladesh at MCA Stadium in Pune. Pandya limped off the field after injuring his left ankle while fielding on his own bowling. He did not participate in the remainder of the match. The injury occurred when Pandya was trying to stop a boundary hit by Litton Das during the ninth over. He seemed to twist his left ankle in his follow-through after slipping in the process of saving a four. The Indian team’s physio attended to Pandya’s left ankle for several minutes, with Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma by his side. Despite attempting to continue bowling, Pandya couldn’t do so due to the pain in his strapped left ankle, and he left the field for further treatment. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Pandya has undergone scans and has been advised to rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team. Pandya will rejoin the India team directly in Lucknow for the match against defending champions England on October 29. Pandya’s absence poses a significant challenge for the Indian team, as he plays a crucial role in white-ball cricket due to his all-round skills. He typically bats in the top six and provides an important third fast-bowling option for the team. His injury necessitates considering strategies to cover the skills he brings to the table.
