Hardik Pandya, Team India’s all-rounder, is scheduled to miss the forthcoming white-ball matches against Australia and South Africa.
Hardik Pandya suffered an ankle injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup league-stage match against Bangladesh in Pune and was forced to withdraw from the tournament, with Prasidh Krishna designated as his substitute.
Hardik Pandya was injured while attempting to stop the ball in his followthrough with his foot. However, he lost his balance and fell hard, his full weight falling on his twisted ankle. The all-rounder was taken off the pitch for scans after leaving the field. There were hopes that he might play in the World Cup’s latter rounds, but the injury was worse than first thought.
A second-string Indian team will take on Australia in a five-match T20I series, with Hardik Pandya likely to captain the team. Now that the great all-rounder is out due to injury, India will be headed by either Suryakumar Yadav or Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Following the home series against Australia, Team India will travel South Africa in December-January for an all-format trip. According to the Indian Express, Hardik Pandya is unlikely to be ready in time to fly with the group and participate in the three ODIs and three T20Is.
Hardik Pandya’s Injury Status Uncertain as Medical Team Decides on Surgery – Reports
According to the report, Hardik Pandya was requested to bowl two weeks ago while stationed at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) following Team India’s World Cup victory over Bangladesh.
The NCA’s strength and conditioning trainers urged the all-rounder to gradually raise his speed so as not to put too much strain on his ankle. Hardik was able to bowl three deliveries, each one faster than the last. However, after bowling the fourth delivery, he allegedly complained of soreness.
The NCA medical staff then opted to undergo another series of scans on the ankle and will make a decision on surgery soon.
