The return date of all-rounder Hardik Pandya remains uncertain and the team will be receiving an update in the next few days.
Hardik Pandya’s return date revealed
The all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been sidelined for a couple of matches due to the injury he sustained during the match against Bangladesh in the ICC tournament. He missed the matches against New Zealand and England where India had victories and maintained their top position in the points table.
BCCI had given an update after the match against Bangladesh revealing that Hardik Pandya will be joining the squad for the match against England in the World Cup 2023, but his scan reports proved his injury is ligament tear Grade 1.
With the reports from the NCA, the BCCI gave an update that he will be missing the entire group stage matches and will be returning for the knockout stage. He failed to recover over time and continues to rehabilitate at NCA in Bengaluru. Despite a major setback for the side, they are one of the strong teams in the World Cup tournament.
On this occasion, a source revealed the player’s update and availability for the side.
“Hardik Pandya has already had a couple of net sessions at the NCA, is under constant supervision of the BCCI medical team, and looking good,” says a source close to developments.
The biggest feat after Hardik’s absence was a lack of balance in the match against New Zealand and England which created confusion about whether India should play with a special batter or bowler.
This led to two changes in the squad making Shami the replacement for Shardul Thakur and Suryakumar Yadav playing the position of No.6.
“It will be difficult to put a date on return at this stage but signs are encouraging and India’s unbeaten run has certainly allowed him more time to recover and be ready for the knockouts,” adds the source.
With Shami teaming with Bumrah helped the side win the matches against New Zealand. He also took nine wickets in two matches which includes a five-wicket haul.
“See, no one wants to burden Hardik with traveling at this point. He is already in Bengaluru and could well rejoin the squad there itself. Whether he plays that game or not is too early to say but the Bengaluru link-up is very much on the cards because that game would mean no travel also,” informs the source.
“I can’t really give an update on that and the medical team is handling that and very much in touch with Hardik and NCA as well. Hopefully, we will have an update in a couple of days for sure. We will see how it goes,” said Mhambrey.
With India set to play only three more league games, they will be playing their next World Cup match against Sri Lanka on November 02, at Wankhede Stadium.
