BCCI Confirms Hardik Pandya's Return Date After All-Rounder Ruled Out Of IND vs NZ World Cup Fixture

Hardik Pandya's injury is not severe, and he will head to Bengaluru, where he will report to the NCA (National Cricket Academy).

Hardik Pandya will not be available for India's upcoming ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 match against New Zealand on Sunday (October 22) due to an ankle injury. BCCI has issued an injury update, confirming that medical advice necessitates the star all-rounders rest. Pandya sustained the injury during India vs. Bangladesh ODI World Cup 2023 match. BCCI further stated that Hardik will rejoin the Indian team for their next ODI World Cup 2023 fixture against England in Lucknow on Sunday (October 29).

"Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya sustained an injury to his left ankle while fielding on his own bowling during India’s match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team. He will not be taking the flight to Dharamsala with the team on 20th October and will now join the team directly in Lucknow where India play England," according to a statement released by the BCCI.

Pandya, the versatile all-rounder, suffered the injury while attempting to stop a straight drive from Litton Das with his foot during his follow-through. Despite receiving on-field treatment and having his ankle taped by the physio, the pain relief measures were ineffective, and he had to leave the field. Virat Kohli stepped in to complete the remaining three deliveries of the ninth over for the Bangladesh innings.

It was earlier reported that Hardik Pandya's injury is not severe, and he will head to Bengaluru, where he will report to the NCA (National Cricket Academy).

“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,” stated a BCCI official.

India are set to lock horns with New Zealand in their next fixture of the ongoing tournament in Dharamsala on Sunday, October 22.