Since suffering a left ankle injury against Bangladesh in Pune, Hardik Pandya will not be playing for India in their upcoming World Cup match against New Zealand in Dharamsala on Sunday.
“He will not be taking the flight to Dharamsala with the team on 20th October and will now join the team directly in Lucknow where India play England,” according to the BCCI. “He is advised rest and will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI medical team.” On October 29, seven days after the New Zealand match, India plays England.
Pandya appeared to twist his ankle when attempting to block a shot with his foot during his follow through in his opening over, which was the ninth of Bangladesh’s innings. He left the game after getting scans and did not return, and he would be treated at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
After the match against Bangladesh, Rohit Sharma commented, “He pulled up a bit sore.” “No significant damage exists. That benefits us. But to be honest, you have to evaluate daily when dealing with an ailment like that. All we can do is pray that he arrives safely tomorrow morning. After that, we’ll evaluate and take care of whatever has to be done as a team.”
Because of his all-around performance, Pandya is maybe the most important player in the Indian team, aside from Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah. Although he is skilled enough to play as a specialist batsman, his bowling gives India the much-needed sixth bowler. In India’s first three World Cup matches, Pandya has bowled 16 overs and claimed five wickets.
In their match against New Zealand, India will have to alter their lineup since there isn’t a comparable substitute available. Introducing Mohammed Shami for Shardul Thakur and Suryakumar Yadav for Pandya is one possibility. But that means Rohit will have just five specialist bowlers at his disposal.
India is now second on the points table, behind table-toppers New Zealand who are ahead on net run rate, having won all four of their World Cup matches thus far.
