Hardik Pandya will miss India’s next match against table toppers New Zealand in Dharamsala on Sunday because of the left ankle injury he sustained against Bangladesh on Thursday. He also remains doubtful for another couple of matches though the team management is hopeful that he will play in Lucknow.
“The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI medical team,” a media release said.
“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 (on October 29).”
Sources told The Telegraph that Pandya has been told to report at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore as part of the rehab process. There’s talk that the Board also sought advice from specialists in Mumbai and England.
There is no immediate threat to his availability for the remaining matches of the World Cup and the team as of now is not seeking any replacement. The vice-captain could be administered cortisone injections to relieve him of the pain so that he can play in the later stages of the tournament.
Pandya suffered the injury in the ninth over of the Bangladesh innings when he tried to intercept Litton Das’ straight drive with his right leg on his follow through but landed awkwardly.
He was immediately treated on the field and the team physio strapped his ankle in the presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Hobbling on one leg, he tried to return to his bowling mark but left the field in acute discomfort. Kohli then completed the remaining three balls of the over.
After undergoing scans, Pandya had returned to the stadium. It was learnt that he was prepared to bat but it wasn’t needed as India successfully chased down the 257-run target.
“He pulled up a bit sore,” Rohit said at the post-match presentation on Thursday. “There’s no major damage. That is good for us. But honestly, with an injury like that, you’ve got to assess every day. So we just hope that he pulls up well tomorrow (Friday) morning. And then we will assess, whatever is required for us to do as a team, we’ll do that.”
Pandya’s presence is of utmost importance to the side since he lends balance to the team. Besides his sharp, incisive bowling, he holds the innings together in the middle overs with his batting. He provides the sixth bowling option the team requires in this format and bowled 16 overs in India’s first three matches taking five wickets.
India will have to change their combination since no like-for-like replacement is available. The think-tank might have to play an extra batsman at No.6 to make up for his absence in Dharamsala. This means either Ishan Kishan or Suryakumar Yadav might get a look-in. A specialist seamer in Mohammed Shami or off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin may also replace Shardul Thakur.
