In what could be a bit of worry for the Indian camp, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya reportedly got hurt while batting at nets ahead of the team's ICC Men's World Cup 2023 opener against Australia at the MA Chidrambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday (October 8). The nows is worrisome especially since it comes after reports which claimed that opener Shubman Gill had tested positive for dengue casting doubts over his participation in the team's World Cup opener in two days time.
While there is no official confirmation the same, a report carried by RevSportz suggests Hardik was hit on his finger while practicing against the pacers at a net session. Even though initial impression suggests that it not a serious injury, Hardik chose not to continue pratice as a preacautionary measure. Notably, India are coming on the back of a 2-1 series win over Australia before this World Cup while also dominating the Asia Cup but would be worries with the balance of their side should Hardik have to sit out, the chances of which although less have not yet been ruled out completely.
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Meanwhile, a PTI report claimed that Ravichandran Ashwin had an intense practice session in Chennai which also happens to be his home venue. His intense practice drill suggested that he could be in with a chance to feature in India's World Cup opener. Notably, Ashwin was included in the side after an injury to Axar Patel ruled him out of the marquee event. Ashwin was called in for the Australia home series and was also spotted practicing batting after one of the games, hinting at the management's communication to him to work on his batting, given that he could be slotted in place of Shardul Thakur amid tradionally spin-friendly conditions in Chepuak.