IND vs ENG: Hardik Pandya Ruled Out Of World Cup Matches Against England And Sri Lanka Too: Report

Team India star Hardik Pandya is reportedly expected to spend more time on the sidelines than initially anticipated. The allrounder is currently out of action after injuring his ankle during the game against Bangladesh in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

He sustained the injury in his very first over and the ninth over of Bangladesh’s innings. Hardik Pandya ended up twisting his ankle while trying to stop a straight drive from Litton Das with his foot during his follow-through. He tried to resume bowling after receiving medical attention but eventually decided to walk off the field and Virat Kohli had to complete his over.

He did not play any further part in the game and was taken for scans. Fortunately for India, their star allrounder’s absence did not hurt them much as they went on to thrash Bangladesh by 7 wickets. Hardik Pandya was unavailable for the game against New Zealand too. In his absence, India included Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami in the playing eleven while dropping Shardul Thakur.

Hardik Pandya to miss two more games:

Hardik Pandya was expected to recover in time for Team India’s next game. India will be in action next on Sunday (October 29) when they lock horns against England in Lucknow. With nearly two weeks between the Bangladesh and England games, it was expected that Hardik Pandya would have enough time to recover.

However, the allrounder is reportedly set to miss the game against England as well as the match against Sri Lanka on November 2. He was expected to join the team ahead of the game against England in Lucknow. However, his comeback has been delayed.

According to a report in The Indian Express, the 30-year-old has not resumed bowling and the medical team will take a few more days before giving him the green light. He is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.

The Indian team management is also not willing to rush him back into action. The report further stated that Hardik Pandya is likely to be available for India’s last two league games. He is expected to join the Indian team in Mumbai or Kolkata. India will take on Sri Lanka in Mumbai before going to Kolkata for the game against South Africa on November 5.