Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to miss the forthcoming ODI World Cup clash against England in Lucknow on October 29 due to an ankle injury. This injury, sustained during the game against Bangladesh in Pune, also kept him out of the subsequent match against New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22, which India clinched by four wickets.
Although the injury isn't deemed severe, the team management is opting for caution. A BCCI official confirmed to CricketNext, “Yes, Hardik is likely to miss the next match vs England in Lucknow. It is more of a precaution at this stage and nothing serious.”
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The incident occurred during India's match against Bangladesh. While bowling, Hardik attempted to halt the ball with his foot, resulting in a slip and an unsettling injury to his left foot. Fellow players, including Virat Kohli, rushed to assist him. The on-field physio intervened, applying significant strapping to Hardik's shin and ankle after a considerable delay.
Following the injury, Hardik was promptly taken to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Here, BCCI's medical team evaluated him, and a specialist doctor attended to his injury. It's anticipated that Hardik will rejoin the squad ahead of their game against Sri Lanka in Mumbai.
In the New Zealand match, Captain Rohit Sharma introduced Mohammed Shami and opted for the additional batting prowess of Suryakumar Yadav, sidelining Shardul Thakur. Although Suryakumar had an early exit due to a run-out, Shami and the team delivered an impressive performance.
The pacer bagged a fifer in his first match of the tournament, making a case for his continued inclusion in the Playing XI. It took his total tally to 35, the third-highest ever for India at the ODI World Cup, while he is also the first bowler to have two five-wicket hauls in the World Cup for India!
The Indian cricket team's World Cup campaign has been impeccable so far. They've dominated the points table with five consecutive victories, showcasing their prowess in batting, bowling, and fielding against teams like Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.
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