(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s road to recovery from the ankle injury he sustained during the World Cup match against Bangladesh in Pune proved to be a challenging one.
In the game against the Bangla Tigers, Pandya, who was bowling his first over of the match, twisted his ankle on the third delivery. Despite receiving on-field treatment and making a valiant effort to complete his over, the excruciating pain ultimately forced the talented all-rounder to exit the field, sidelining him for the remainder of the match. Furthermore, his injury continued to keep him out of action in the recent World Cup matches against New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had remained hopeful about the 30-year-old’s return to the later stages of the tournament. However, to their disappointment, on Saturday, it was officially declared that Pandya would not be participating in the tournament any longer.
Earlier, it was reported that Pandya had started his training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to get back on the field and was also bowling in the nets to regain his fitness. Now, according to reports, an anonymous BCCI official has revealed the reason why he got ruled out from the rest of the event, despite having started his training.
“As it has been said earlier, Pandya doesn’t have any fracture and only had minor tear. He had resumed training but suddenly considerable amount of swelling developed in left ankle region and he wouldn’t have been fit to bowl,” the BCCI official said as quoted to PTI on condition of anonymity.
“This is not some injury which could be managed with injections. Considerable swelling resurfaced on Thursday and unless it subsides, he can’t do skills training for some more time,” he added.
Pacer Prasidh Krishna clinched his spot in the 15-member World Cup squad, replacing Hardik Pandya. After careful deliberation, the BCCI selectors considered options including Prasidh, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma as potential replacements for Pandya, but the fast-bowler ultimately earned the nod for selection, as reported.