Hardik Pandya set to miss next match against New Zealand, World Cup participation in jeopardy.

In a massive blow to team India’s ODI World Cup 2023 campaign, their star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all set to miss the next match against New Zealand in Dharamsala due to an ankle sprain to his left leg. Hardik Pandya will be leaving for Bangalore today to consult the doctor at the National Cricket Academy. 

The Indian team and fans are hoping for Pandya’s comeback in the team for the match against England at Lucknow, but still, things are not clear. It is expected that the status and gravity of the injury will unravel as days pass by, but given Pandya’s importance in the Indian team, all the stakeholders of Indian Cricket will be praying for the speedy recovery of Pandya.

The Indian vice-captain got injured in the 9th over of the Bangladesh innings when he twisted his left ankle while stopping a boundary by Litton Das. The team physio tried to wrap his ankle so that Hardik could further take part in the match but to no avail, and he was seen hopping back to the pavilion, which was a sight that terrified the Indian fans. 

However, soon after, when Hardik was carried to the pavilion, a huge cheer from the crowd erupted as Kohli came forward to complete Pandya’s remaining over. It was the first time in the last six years since Kohli bowled in ODI cricket for India.

Hardik Pandya: The All-Rounder India Needs to Win the World Cup

Hardik Pandya is the vital cog in the Indian team line-up and his absence is a double whammy for team India. He is among the very few in the world who could play in any team both as a batsman and a bowler. His presence provides stability as he provides India with the sixth bowling option and allows the team to strengthen their batting by playing an extra all-rounder at No.8 in the form of Shardul Thakur rather than a proper seamer.

Hardik Pandya’s bowling has improved by leaps and bounds over the years because of this the team was playing him as a proper fifth bowler. Also, Pandya’s batting prowess in white ball cricket is second to none, and thus, his absence could shake the team combination of the Indian team in a big way. However, all is not lost and the team is waiting for further reports from the NCA, and the team and the whole of India would be whole-heartedly praying for Pandya’s speedy recovery before the England match in Lucknow.