India are taking on Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, in what is the 17th match of World Cup 2023.
India faced Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, in what is the 17th match of World Cup 2023. After winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first on a pleasant batting track in Pune. While their openers hadn’t fired as consistently before this match, the Tigers made a terrific start to their innings.
They were cautious early on, playing out the new-ball spells of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj without taking much risk. However, after settling in, the pair started to take on the in-form Indian bowling unit. Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das soon started to score freely, and India looked under pressure for a while.
To stop the carnage, Hardik Pandya came to bowl in the ninth over of the innings. However, Litton Das was prudent to attack him right away and hit two consecutive on just the second and third ball of the over. The second boundary was hit straight, and Hardik, who was in his followthrough, stretched his right leg to stop the ball.
Also Read: WATCH: Virat Kohli bowls after 6 years to complete injured Hardik’s over
However, the all-rounder couldn’t control it and slipped abruptly in the process. Hardik was down immediately, and the team physio taped him as a temporary treatment. While he looked set to resume initially, Hardik suffered pain in his ankle again and couldn’t bowl consequently.
Hardik Pandya hobbled off the ground with the help of a team staff member. Virat Kohli completed the over by bowling the remaining three balls. Pandya hasn’t returned to the action since then.
Now, the latest update on his injury is disclosed by the on-air commentator. The news is not good for the Indian team and fans. Hardik suffered an injury to his left ankle while trying to stop the ball.
He has gone for the scans and won’t take the field anymore in the first innings against Bangladesh. Hardik can now come in to bat only after 120 minutes of India’s batting innings or after the fall of five wickets. He can’t bat before this.
The team management would hope the injury is not serious and the scans show positive results. Hardik Pandya is the most important member of the XI. He provides the much-required balance to the team, and India can not afford to lose him midway through the tournament.
Update on 8:50 PM:
The Hindi commentators provided a positive update on Hardik Pandya’s ankle injury. According to them, Hardik is back after the scans and available to bat against Bangladesh if required. They also added that the scans have revealed that Hardik’s injury is not very serious, but he can be rested as a precautionary move.
This update is a massive relief for the team and its fans. If Hardik misses a few games, India won’t mind. He needs to be completely fit for the crunch clashes in the late end of the tournament.
Update on 10:35 PM:
The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, gave a crucial update in his post-match chat with the broadcasters. He said Hardik’s injury was not major, but they will need to assess him every day.
“He pulled up a bit sore. There is no major damage, which is good for us. But obviously, with an injury like that, we have to assess every day, and we will do whatever is required,” exclaimed Rohit Sharma.
India will face New Zealand in their next game on Sunday (October 22). They would hope Hardik Pandya regains fitness and feature in this crunch game.
Update on 1.30pm (October 20)
The BCCI confirmed on social media platform X that Pandya sustained an injury to his left ankle. Following the scans, he is advised to rest and will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team.
Pandya will also not be taking the flight to Dharamsala with the team on 20th October for their next clash against the Kiwis on October 22 and will now join the team directly in Lucknow where India play England on October 29.
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