India all-rounder Hardik Pandya will miss the next World Cup 2023 fixture against New Zealand due to an ankle injury sustained during the India-Bangladesh match on October 19.
To bet on the World Cup with our Match Centre Partners bet365 head here.
A medical update issued by the BCCI stated the following:
“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 all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team.
“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”.
After Pandya was introduced in the attack as a first-change bowler in the ninth over, he tried to stop a drive hit by Litton Das with his left foot in his follow-through. The next moment, he slipped and twisted his ankle in the process. Play stopped for some time as physios attended to Hardik, who was groaning in pain. After a few minutes, he attempted to complete the remaining three deliveries of his over but felt discomfort. He was seen hobbling to the bowling mark, before giving up.
Unfortunately, the right-hand pacer limped off the field for further treatment, and Virat Kohli filled in to finish the over. He was rushed to the hospital for a scan and could not participate in the match further after joining the team.
After the game, Shubman Gill confirmed that Pandya had gone for scans and the team was awaiting the reports. Pandya’s return will now be confirmed next week, with India’s fixture against England in Lucknow the likely comeback game.
Powered by a century from Kohli, India chased down 257, and are now second on the points table.
