Team India captain Rohit Sharma has said that all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s progress at the National Cricket Academy has been “very positive” as he recovers from an injury sustained during the 2023 World Cup game against Bangladesh.
Hardik Pandya has been out of action since injuring his ankle while trying to stop a ball in the follow-through during India’s game against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19. According to reports, he’s unlikely to be available before India’s last league game against the Netherlands on November 12 in Bengaluru.
Before the India-Sri Lanka showdown at Mumbai’s Wankhede, Rohit gave a piece of news about Pandya. He said:
“It has been very positive. I cannot call it a rehab, but whatever procedure had to be followed after the injury, by him and the NCA (staff), a lot of positive things have happened there.”
Rohit Sharma
The Indian skipper confirmed Pandya would not play in the 2023 World Cup match against Sri Lanka on Thursday, November 2. He added:
“He is not available for the game. It is such an injury that we are tracking it daily, in terms of how much he has recovered, how much he has bowled or batted.
“We will take a call on him on a day-to-day basis. But the way he has been progressing, hopefully he will be able to come back very soon.”
Rohit Sharma
Pandya took one wicket against Australia and two wickets each against Afghanistan and Pakistan before being hurt and walking off the field against Bangladesh.
Rohit Sharma Open To Three Spinners Option: He Says All Combinations Are Possible
Despite the absence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, India’s bowling attack has performed admirably.
Mohammed Shami has taken nine wickets in two games. When asked if India is considering fielding three spinners, Rohit remarked that they are open to change the team lineup if the circumstances calls for it.
“All sorts of combinations are possible. You can still play with three spinners and two seamers if need be. In this World Cup, you have seen spinners actually are the ones who are stopping that run-flow in the middle overs.
“I am keeping my options open, whether we have Hardik (Pandya) or not, at this point in time to play three spinners or not.”
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma also stated that no bowlers will be rested since they are in terrific rhythm and do not want a break.
“As far as resting for the bowlers is concerned, I think they are in great rhythm at this point in time. They don’t want to rest. (Their) body is fine. This is the feedback that I have got from all the bowlers. So, they are happy to play games.”
Rohit Sharma
A win versus Sri Lanka on Thursday would secure Team India’s place in the World Cup semifinals in 2023.
