Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to miss the next two World Cup matches for India as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury sustained in a game against Bangladesh on October 19. This injury caused him to sit out of the match against New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22. Pandya has been diligently undergoing treatment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru since Monday.
An NCA source revealed, “Hardik is still undergoing treatment. Although the swelling in his left ankle has significantly reduced, he won’t start bowling until the weekend. It’s crucial to allow him ample time to heal.”
Team Management’s Cautious Approach
Pandya’s absence in the team had raised concerns among fans, but recent updates indicate that he may be rested for the next two matches to ensure a more comprehensive recovery. The team management is taking a cautious approach, which seems justified given India’s exceptional performance in the tournament, winning all five of their matches thus far.
A BCCI source stated, “Pandya’s injury is a severe sprain, thankfully not a fracture. The BCCI medical team is prioritizing caution, and he is likely to miss the next two to three matches. The team wants him in top form for the knockout stage.”
India’s upcoming matches include a showdown with defending champions England on October 29 in Lucknow and a game against Sri Lanka in Mumbai on November 2. The team is determined to ensure that their star all-rounder makes a full recovery before the crucial knockout stage.
As the World Cup excitement continues to build, cricket enthusiasts around the world will be eagerly monitoring Hardik Pandya’s progress, hoping to see him return to the field at his dynamic best.
