T20 World Cup 2021: Hardik Pandya's Injury Is "Not Serious", Expected To Recuperate Before Next Match

Indian team’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya had sustained a shoulder injury while batting in the Super 12 match against Pakistan on Sunday. He was taken for scans after the innings and didn’t take the field during Pakistan’s run chase.

The injury was minor, however, and the 27-year-old can return to the playing XI once he recuperates fully, as per a BCCI official. Although he isn’t in form, either with the bat or the ball, the Indian team management continues to back him in the T20 World Cup.

“Yes, Hardik’s scan reports have come, and the injury is not very serious. Also, the fact that there is a six-day gap between the two games gives him enough time to recuperate. But obviously, the medical team would wait and watch as to how he shapes up during the training sessions,” the official told PTI on the grounds of anonymity.

“India’s biggest setback was them playing Hardik Pandya” – Inzamam ul Haq

Former Pakistan batsman, Inzamam ul Haq, pointed out that the team combination of India wasn’t right heading into the match against Pakistan. The lack of a sixth bowling option hurt them tremendously, and it could prove to be fatal if they persist with the same combination.

“India’s biggest setback was because they played Hardik Pandya. India were not right with their team selection. Babar Azam knew exactly what he was doing with his XI, but India were not.

“If India played the sixth bowler, then it would have been better. Look at how playing Mohammad Hafeez gave an advantage to Babar Azam. He got two overs out of the way by using Hafeez instead of bowling four from Imad Wasim. Of course, they had Shoaib Malik too,” Inzamam mentioned.

The win puts Pakistan in a prime position to boost their semifinal chances further, granted they defeat New Zealand in tonight’s game at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Also Read – Definitely A Proud Moment For Pakistan That We Have Made History: Babar Azam On Emphatic Win Against India