India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be missing India’s next game against New Zealand to be played in Dharamsala on October 22. Pandya will be rushed to National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru where he will be treated by a specialist doctor from England and probably administered injections. Pandya is expected to join the Indian team in Lucknow and the team is hopeful he will be available for the game against England.
“He will be heading to Bengaluru where he has been asked to report to the NCA. The medical team assessed his ankle scan report and it looks he will be fine by taking an injection. The BCCI consulted a specialist doctor in England and they too were of the similar opinion. He will be missing the next game,” a BCCI official said.
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The medical team assessed his scan report after the all-rounder had twisted his ankle during a league game against Bangladesh at Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune on Thursday. He was taken for a scan and later joined the team thereafter but he missed the entire game.
The medium pacer had limped off after putting his right foot to stop a drive from Bangladesh’s Liton Das and the team management will be hoping that the injury isn’t serious.
Hardik lost his balance while trying to stop what was a four off his own bowling and then lost his balance and dragged his right boot while landing on the pitch. He got up and looked in discomfort while bending over. Soon the physio was out in the middle and two senior players, Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma, were by his side.
Play was stopped for nearly five minutes as the physio strapped his ankle. A vital cog in the wheel, Pandya’s skill set at the highest level – effective with difficult to pick up bouncers, the surprise heavy ball and ability to clear the ropes – makes him viral to the playing XI’s balance.
Hardik was back and tried to run but started to hobble. It was clear he would have to go off after bowling just three deliveries, two of which went for fours.The Pune crowd began cheering when Kohli was tasked with bowling the incomplete Hardik over – three balls. Kohli conceded just two singles.
However, there was no talk about the injured Hardik being replaced in the World Cup squad. At the post-match presentation ceremony after the win over Bangladesh, Rohit had said that the injury was not a cause of concern. “He (Hardik) pulled up a bit sore, nothing really major to worry. We’ll see how he pulls up tomorrow morning and then plan on how to go forward.”
