India have been dealing with a big headache despite their fairytale campaign in the ongoing World Cup 2023 as Hardik Pandya's comeback is still uncertain. Hardik is nursing his left ankle injury which he picked up in India's World Cup match against Bangladesh on October 19. The injury forced him to miss several crucial matches, including those against New Zealand and England. Unfortunately, Pandya is also likely to miss India's upcoming clash against Sri Lanka and South Africa respectively.
India will be playing their final league match against Netherlands on November 12 in Bengaluru.
"It is a minor tear. He is recovering well and is likely to return for the last league game. There is also a possibility that he straight away plays the semifinal," a BCCI source privy to the development said as reported by PTI.
So far India have won all of the six matches that they have played so far and have mathematically qualified for the World Cup semifinals. To fill the void left by Pandya's absence, the team management has had to make some tactical adjustments, including playing with an altered lineup and five bowlers. Suryakumar Yadav has stepped into Pandya's shoes at no.6 position. With Mohammad Shami breathing fire with the ball, the Indian team management hasn't really missed Pandya's bowling but his absence continues to affect the team's overall equilibrium.
Bowling coach Paras Mhambrey had previously expressed optimism about Pandya's imminent return, mentioning that the medical team was closely monitoring his progress at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
"The medical team is looking at that and are very much in touch with Hardik and the NCA (National Cricket Academy) as well. We're hoping to get an update in a couple of days," Mhambrey had said on Sunday.
As per a BCCI media release, Pandya was supposed to join the team in Lucknow ahead of the England game but he was not with the squad.
However, according to a BCCI media release, Pandya was expected to rejoin the team in Lucknow before the England match, but he was conspicuously absent. With Pandya's return still conspicuous, the speculations are rife that he will directly take entry into Team India's playing XI after the conclusion of the league matches.
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