India’s star all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, is facing an extended period on the sidelines due to an ankle injury that has persisted since his slip in a match against Bangladesh. This injury had already forced him to miss the crucial clash against New Zealand. Now, it appears that Hardik Pandya may need to sit out of India’s upcoming two World Cup matches as he continues his recovery. The injury management process has been initiated, with the focus on ensuring his full recovery for the knockout stage.
Hardik’s Injury and Recovery
The injury occurred when Hardik Pandya slipped in his follow-through while playing against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19. This mishap forced him to miss the game against New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22. Afterwards, Pandya reported to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) on Monday in Bengaluru, where he began receiving medical attention for his injury.
While there were initial hopes that Pandya might be fit to travel to Lucknow for India’s forthcoming match against England, it now appears that his recovery will require more time. An NCA source mentioned that although the swelling on his left ankle has considerably subsided, Pandya is not yet ready to resume bowling. As a result, the primary concern is to provide him with adequate time to heal and recuperate.
A Prudent Approach to Recovery
Considering India’s strong position in the tournament, having won all five matches thus far and being well on course for the semifinals, the decision to rest Hardik Pandya for the next couple of games is a prudent one. This strategic move aims to ensure that he attains full fitness for the critical knockout stage.
A source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) emphasized that Pandya’s injury is a severe sprain but thankfully not a fracture. The BCCI’s medical team is taking utmost precaution to guarantee his complete recovery. It is anticipated that Pandya could miss the next two to three matches, allowing him the necessary time to recuperate fully.
In Hardik Pandya’s absence, the Indian team had called upon Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami to fill the void in the playing XI against New Zealand. As India gears up to face defending champions England on October 29 in Lucknow, it is likely that Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami will continue to retain their positions in the team.
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