Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya suffered an injury scare on the eve of a practice match against Bangladesh. As per reports, he was hit in his underarm while taking throwdowns. Also, he did not continue batting after being hit, which does come as a worry for team Inda.
Although the blow may not have a large impact, it can see Pandya miss the practice match as a precautionary measure. Team India might not want to risk a crucial play like Pandya in the warm-up match and there are high chances that he could be rested. He looks fine and will surely be part of the playing XI during the league phase of the tournament.
While Pandya is doubtful for the game, team India is highly likely to get the services of Vijay Shankar and Kedar Jadhav for the second warm-up match. Both the players trained with team India on the eve of the match and seem to be fit.
Jadhav had missed the first warm-up match due to a shoulder issue. Shankar also sat out of the match due to the blow that he had suffered on his forearm on the eve of the game.
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No other player apart from Pandya is expected to be rested. Though just like the first match, pace bowlers might not be asked to have a longer run. Jasprit Bumrah and other pacers just bowled four overs in the first match.
Team India’s batting order at the top is expected to be same today but it will be interesting to see if Vijay Shankar comes out to bat at number four. He is expected to bat at that position during World Cup and whoever will come out to bat at that position today, will hold the position during World Cup.
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In the previous match, it was KL Rahul who came out to bat after Virat Kohli. He scored 6 runs before being dismissed by Trent Boult. Dinesh Karthik had a chance to put his case for that position but he was dismissed on a score of four. Kedar Jadhav is also a contender for that spot and the things will be clear today.
This will also be the final chance for Bangladesh to assimilate to the conditions in England. Their first practice match against Pakistan was washed out due to rain. They are expected to play with all the 15 players in today’s match.