Hardik Pandya fires back at Mohammed Shami's 'fake injury' accusations with shocking revelation

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya recently opened up about the injury he sustained during the ODI World Cup 2023 at home. Hardik Pandya mentioned that he underwent multiple injections and procedures, including the removal of blood from his swollen ankle.

During the league stage match against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19, Hardik Pandya suffered an ankle injury while attempting to stop a delivery during his bowling spell. Physios attended to him on the field before the pacer walked off due to the injury.

After his injury, the 30-year-old all-rounder was forced to sit out for the rest of India’s 2023 World Cup campaign. Although India continued their winning streak and advanced to the final encounter, Pandya’s absence disrupted the team’s balance to some extent.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami recently liked the tweet trolling Hardik Pandya for missing the ICC World Cup 2023 and staying fit for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. 

Also Read: Mohammed Shami likes “chapri kalu” tweet insulting Hardik Pandya over CWC 2023 absence 

It Was A Freak Injury – Hardik Pandya

Speaking to Star Sports, Hardik Pandya revealed his determination to recover from his injury, emphasizing his commitment to returning to the field as quickly as possible. He recounted undergoing multiple injections and procedures to accelerate his recovery.

“I had preparing for the World Cup for more than a year. It was a freak injury during the match. The injury was said to be for 25 days and that would mean I would miss the rest of the World Cup, but I pushed,” Hardik told Star Sports.

“I told the management that I would return after five days. I got injections done on my ankle in three places. I had to remove blood from my ankle because of the swelling. I wanted to give everything,” he added.

Hardik Pandya’s injury, given his crucial role as a seam-bowling all-rounder, forced the team management to make two changes to their lineup. Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami were subsequently included in the playing XI to fill the void left by Pandya’s absence.

Could Not Walk After Pushing For 10 Days – Hardik Pandya

Despite initially expecting to recover in just over three weeks, Hardik Pandya aggravated his ankle injury in his eagerness to return to cricket promptly. However, he has no regrets, emphasizing his commitment to giving his best for India.

“At one point I did know that if I keep pushing, I might be injured for a long time but for me it was never the answer. Even if there was a one percent chance, I could be with the team, I would do it. While I was pushing for that, I had a reoccurrence which eventually became a three-month injury. I was aiming to run when I could not walk after pushing for 10 days but I missed out,” Hardik said.

Hardik Pandya transitioned to the Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season during his hiatus from international cricket. The star cricketer made his comeback in competitive cricket during the DY Patil T20 Cup for Reliance and secured two wickets in his return match.

The 30-year-old took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma for the Mumbai Indians. The Mumbai-based franchise will kick off their campaign in the IPL 2024 against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 24.

Also read: Hardik Pandya shares emotional ‘bonds never change’ post for Kieron Pollard after MI captaincy takeover