Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to miss the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan in January.
Hardik Pandya likely to miss Afghanistan T20I series
The Indian star Hardik Pandya sustained an ankle injury during the World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh and was ruled out of the tournament. He missed the T20I series against Australia at home where the men in Blues won the series 4-1.
He was also rested in the ongoing India tour of South Africa 2023 in December. With the all-rounder is expected to return for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, a report in PTI suggests that India might be missing the services of the all-rounder for the home contest.
India will be facing a three-match T20I series between January 11 and 17, which will be the final fixture for India in the format before the T20 World Cup in June.
“There is no update on Hardik’s fitness status as of now and one can say there remains a big question mark of him being available before the end of IPL,” a BCCI source told PTI.
On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav will be missing the upcoming T20I series after twisting his ankle during the 3rd T20I match in India’s South Africa tour.
He went for scans last week on his return to India from South Africa which revealed he suffered a Grade-II tear in his ankle.
Suryakumar has been India’s stand-in captain for their recently concluded T20I series against Australia and South Africa. With the ICC men’s T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled to begin in June, the player’s injury will be a major setback for the men in blues.
This could be a huge blow for India and Mumbai Indians. The National side might want Rohit Sharma to return in a bid to lead the side against Afghanistan. However, if the captain decides to rest for the T20I series, Ravindra Jadeja could be given the option to lead the side.
The all-rounder will be playing all five Tests against England and wants to manage his workload. Ruturaj Gaikwad will be also rested in the series due to his finger injury.
With Mumbai Indians announcing Hardik Pandya as their captain for the IPL 2024 season, He will be replacing Rohit who led the side to five titles. Hardik Pandya was only traded back to Mumbai from Gujarat Titans last month before IPL 2024 auction.
India will be playing their first T20I match against Afghanistan on January 11 at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.
