Hardik Pandya To Sit Out White-Ball Series Against Australia and South Africa

Hardik Pandya Faces Extended Sideline: Set to Miss T20 Series Against Australia and ODIs in South Africa due to Lingering Ankle Injury

Written by: Shivani Kumari

Edited by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Last Updated: November 17, 2023

Summary: Medical Team Undecided on Surgery for All-Rounder Hardik Pandya's Ankle Injury; Player Benched for a Minimum of Two Months

All-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to remain sidelined for a minimum of two additional months due to an ankle injury sustained while attempting to field a ball during the World Cup league game against Bangladesh. Media reports indicate that Pandya will be absent for the upcoming T20I series against Australia at home and is expected to miss three T20Is and three ODIs in South Africa.

During an attempt to prevent a shot from Bangladesh opener Liton Das, the all-rounder from Baroda, Hardik Pandya, lost his balance. In the process, he dragged his right boot while landing on the pitch. Exhibiting signs of discomfort, Pandya rose to his feet, only to be later hurried to the National Cricket Academy for rehabilitation. Consequently, he was ruled out from the ongoing World Cup.

The medical team has not made a decision yet on whether Pandya requires surgery. Two weeks ago, Pandya was instructed to bowl in the nets with strength and conditioning coaches recommending a gradual increase in speed. The support staff was cautious about not putting excessive pressure on his ankle. It's reported that Pandya faced no issues with the first three balls he bowled. However, when he opted to escalate the intensity for the next delivery, he experienced some discomfort in his leg on the fourth ball.

Pandya communicated to the support staff about the pain he experienced in his right ankle. In response, the NCA medical team opted for an additional set of scans.

Pandya shared a heartfelt message on the incident: "Difficult to come to terms with the fact that I won't be part of the remaining matches in the World Cup. While physically absent, my spirit will be with the team, cheering them on every ball. It's been an incredible show of love, support, and well wishes. This team is extraordinary, and I am confident they will make everyone proud. Love, always, HP."

The Event Technical Committee of the tournament sanctioned seamer Prasidh Krishna as the replacement for Pandya. The 27-year-old Krishna, staging a comeback after a substantial injury hiatus, boasts a record of 17 ODIs for India, amassing 29 wickets.