World Cup 2023: Major setback for India as Hardik Pandya likely to miss games vs England, Sri Lanka

India’s all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, is expected to miss the upcoming World Cup matches against England on October 29 and Sri Lanka on November 2 due to an ongoing ankle injury. The injury was sustained during India’s game against Bangladesh on October 19.

Pandya is currently undergoing treatment for a sprained left ankle at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Sources reveal that he has not yet resumed bowling in the nets, as he aims to make a comeback during the crucial stages of the World Cup.

Hardik Pandya sustained a left ankle injury while attempting to block a shot during his own bowling. Unfortunately, he could only deliver three deliveries against Bangladesh in Pune before requiring assistance to leave the field. Regrettably, the all-rounder was unable to continue participating in the match.

Hardik did not travel to Dharamsala with the rest of the Indian team for their game against New Zealand on October 22. Instead, he arrived at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru on Monday to receive treatment and be closely monitored by the medical team at the facility.

It is worth mentioning that the Indian cricket board (BCCI) had previously stated in a statement this week that Hardik would join the team in Lucknow before their match against England. However, it appears that this plan has changed.

“Pandya has suffered a bad sprain but fortunately not a fracture. The BCCI medical team wants to take maximum precaution. He is likely to miss next two to three matches. The team wants him fully fit for the knock-out stage,” news agency PTI quoted a source as saying.

India is currently leading the World Cup 2023 points table with an impressive record of five wins from five matches. Their exceptional performance has positioned them as strong contenders for the semi-finals.