When Hardik Pandya suffered an injury during the ninth over against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19, the nation held its breath. It wasn't just any cricketer, but Hardik Pandya, a pivotal player who provides Rohit Sharma the flexibility of having six bowlers and a deep batting lineup. Naturally, seeing such a key player in distress is unsettling for any team.
Initially, the injury didn't seem severe, and the team management was optimistic about his return for the New Zealand match in Dharamsala. However, as per Sports Tak, not only is he ruled out for the England match in Lucknow, but he might also miss subsequent games.
Currently, Pandya is under the supervision of the BCCI medical team and hasn't joined the squad in Lucknow. Although the BCCI hasn't released an official statement regarding his condition, sources indicate it's not promising.
Witnessing the 30-year-old cricketer's distress on the field, Gujarat Titans COO, Col. Arvinder Singh, was deeply affected. Aware that Pandya couldn't use his phone during the match, Singh made it a point to call him post-game. In their short conversation, Singh relayed a crucial message to India's MVP.
Singh emphasized Pandya's immense contribution to the Indian cricket team and expressed his hope to see him back in action soon, aiding India in their World Cup journey.
“In the field you know we saw what happened on the field. Obviously he wouldn’t have access to his phone at that point of time but I spoke with him after the game yeah and I just told him one thing I said you need to get back ASAP, India needs you, we all need you," says Singh in a chat with CricketNext.
Singh adds that Pandya is a player who has a lot of value to the national team and hopes he will be back on the field soon and help India win the World Cup.
“He is one of those few multi-dimensional players who brings in three of the best aspects of cricket whether it’s bowling batting or fielding. Look at the value that he brings to the national team. So pretty sure that he’ll be back on the field and doing what he does best and will help India lift the cup," adds Singh.
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