(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India all-rounder Hardik Pandya will miss the team’s upcoming World Cup clash against New Zealand due to an ankle injury.
For the uninitiated, Pandya twisted his left ankle during his first over in the match versus Bangladesh. He was attended by the medical team on the field but even after treatment, he could not bowl and hobbled off the field. He did not take part further in the fixture.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now confirmed that the scans have revealed that Pandya would require rest and therefore, he will not be travelling to Dharamsala, where the Men in Blue will face New Zealand on October 22.
“Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya
sustained an injury to his left ankle while fielding on his own bowling
during India’s match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket
Association Stadium, Pune,” the BCCI released a statement.
“The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team,” the statement further read.
As informed by the BCCI, Pandya will directly take the flight to Lucknow as it is the venue for the India versus England match that is scheduled on next 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.”
Pandya’s injury is a big blow for the Rohit Sharma-led side as it will hurt the team combination. India will now likely drop Shardul Thakur and would bring in Mohammad Shami, who is certain to bowl 10 overs. Moreover, in place of Pandya, India could add Ishan Kishan or Suryakumar Yadav in the XI.
As stated by the Indian skipper Rohit in the post-match presentation on Thursday, Pandya’s injury is not that serious and he could get fit in time to play versus England.