‘Hardik will now join the team directly in Lucknow’ – Indian Cricket Board gives massive update on Hardik Pandya’s injury ahead of ODI WC clash against New Zealand

The Indian cricket team’s vice captain Hardik Pandya recently pulled an injury during the teams fourth match of the ODI World Cup 2023 against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra cricket Association Stadium in Pune on 19 October. After pulling the injury in his ankle, Hardik Pandya could not make it to the field for the rest of the evening after he came to bowl in the ninth over of the first innings. 

Hardik Pandya will miss India’s upcoming marquee clash against New Zealand on 22 October in Dharamshala. The Indian Cricket board has sent Hardik Pandya’s reports to a doctor in Mumbai, and the doctor will provide further updates.

A huge chaos will surface in The Indian team management considering there is no perfect all-rounder who can replace Hardik Pandya as a batsman and bowler. Surya Kumar Yadav or Ishan Kishan can replace Hardik as a batsman but not as a bowler, hence the most perfect pick for the team will be Ravichandran Ashwin who could provide a balance with the bat and the ball. 

Indian cricket board’s statement on Hardik Pandya’s injury

“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. He will not be taking the flight to Dharamsala with the team on 20th October and will now join the team directly in Lucknow where India play England,” said the official statement by the Indian cricket board. 

“He (Hardik Pandya) pulled up a bit sore, nothing really major to worry about. We’ll see how he pulls up tomorrow morning and then plan on how to go forward. Everyone in the squad has gone through pressure, the crowd is coming in big numbers, the stands are full, they haven’t disappointed us, they’ve been brilliant and I’m sure they’ll be louder and louder as we move on”, said Rohit Sharma in the post match conference while giving Hardik Pandya’s injury updates.