Hardik Pandya's Return Delayed Due to Injury, Will Miss Next Two World Cup Matches: Reports

Pandya had to leave the field during his bowling spell after he tried to use his right foot to stop a drive from Bangladesh's Litton Das.

Hardik Pandya during India's game against Bangladesh.

The return of star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is facing further delays as he continues to recover from the injury he sustained during an ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 game against Bangladesh. Pandya, a crucial component of the Indian team, suffered an ankle injury while bowling in the India vs. Bangladesh match on October 19. The 30-year-old was initially ruled out of the New Zealand match and was expected to rejoin the team in Lucknow for the game against England.

However, as reported by the Indian Express, his return is now postponed, and he won't be available for the next two matches in the tournament, which are against England on October 29 and Sri Lanka on November 2. It is further mentioned that Pandya is expected to be back for the final two league stage games in the tournament, one against South Africa on November 5 and the last one against the Netherlands on November 12. 

Previously, the BCCI had issued an update on Pandya's condition, stating that he was advised to rest after undergoing scans. The BCCI's release on October 20 read, "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."

Pandya had to leave the field during his bowling spell after he tried to use his right foot to stop a drive from Bangladesh's Litton Das. Play was halted for nearly five minutes while the physio attended to his ankle. Pandya's versatile skills, including his ability to handle challenging bouncers, deliver unexpected heavy balls, and clear the boundaries, make him a vital asset for the team's balance in the playing XI.

India's Unbeaten Streak in the Tournament

The Indian team, currently the only unbeaten team in the tournament, are in a strong position with one foot already in the semifinals. They have won all five of their matches, accumulating 10 points in the tournament. Given India's dominance in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, they can afford to rest Pandya for a few games, allowing him to return at full strength for the final league games and any potential knockout matches, should India progress to that stage.

India are slated to face the defending champions, England, in their next fixture of the ongoing ICC Men’s World Cup 2023. The match is set to take place at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday, October 29.