Hardik Pandya Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Clash: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma confirms that Hardik Pandya will miss the World Cup clash against Sri Lanka scheduled to play on November 2 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Hardik Pandya Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Clash
Hardik Pandya who was expected to make an impact in India’s World Cup campaign was sidelined in the middle of the tournament after the allrounder injured himself in the match against Bangladesh.
The 30-year-old was bowling his first over against Bangladesh when he attempted to field a ball knocked back to him by Bangladesh opener Litton Das, but instead rolled an ankle as he tumbled to the ground.
Pandya was forced from the field and took no further part in the game after being sent to hospital for scans. India star Virat Kohli took the ball to bowl out the three remaining deliveries of the over.
Pandya went on to miss India’s wins over England and New Zealand. While everyone expected Hardik to be fit for Sri Lanka’s clash, Rohit confirms that Hardik Pandya will miss the Sri Lanka clash today.
“Right now, he is not available for tomorrow’s match,” Rohit said at the pre-match press conference in Mumbai.
“It is an injury that we have to see every day how much per cent he has improved, how much recovery has been made, how much bowling has been done, how much batting has been done. So, on a day-to-day basis, we would like to take a call”.
“The matches (at the World Cup) are taking place every three or four days and we are watching the situation daily,” the India captain added.
While questioned regarding Pandya’s availability for South Africa clash on November 5, Rohit said: “It is possible, as he is progressing, it’s possible and hopefully we’ll get a chance to see him as soon as possible. That’s all I can say for now.”
Talking about the possible playing XI against Sri Lanka, Rohit said “All sorts of combination is possible.”
Rohit hinted that India could even play three spinners if the situation allows instead of three seamers which the team has been doing in the tournament so far.
“In this World Cup, you’ve seen spinners actually are the ones who are stopping that run flow in the middle overs, so I am keeping my options open whether we have Hardik or not at this point in time to play three spinners or not.
“If the situation demands for us to play three spinners, we will play three spinners. We’ll see whatever is necessary to make the right combination and right play. We will do that,” Rohit added.
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It is worth mentioning that, India is the only team to remain unbeaten in this World Cup campaign so far. Following today’s clash against Sri Lanka, India will face South Africa and the Netherlands on November 5 and 12 respectively.
