Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to miss India’s upcoming World Cup match against England on October 29 in Lucknow. The all-rounder missed the game against New Zealand in Dharamsala because he was still healing from an ankle injury he sustained during the encounter against Bangladesh in Pune.
Hardik Pandya twisted his ankle while attempting to use his right foot to block Bangladesh opener Litton Das’ straight shot while bowling his first over in the game. Even with his right ankle taped, Pandya was unable to complete his over to walk off the field and was eventually ruled out of the game against New Zealand on Sunday.
According to various sources, it is learned that the team Indian management is not looking to rush his return to the team, as they want to give Hardik Pandya enough time to recover from the ankle injury.
“Yes, Hardik is likely to miss the next match vs England in Lucknow. It is more of a precaution at this stage and nothing serious,” the source stated.
Team India maintained their winning streak by defeating New Zealand in their most recent game, and they then had a two-day rest in the lovely hilly city. The Indian cricket squad would remain in the city for an additional two days before starting their ODI World Cup campaign against the defending champions England on Sunday.
In the white-ball version of the game, Hardik Pandya has been India’s best all-rounder thus far, and he came through for the Men in Blue when it mattered most. The 29-year-old excellently balances this Indian team, and the team will depend on his performance in the major match both with the bat and the ball.
Hardik Pandya gives a proper 6th bowling option in the team, who can provide vital breakthroughs with the new ball and old ball and deliver with the bat for the Men in Blue lower-down the order and could be a crucial miss for the Indian team against the defending champions in Lucknow.
Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammad Shami are likely to play in the contest against the defending champions. India and England will compete against one another in Lucknow with differing records, but as the tournament has demonstrated thus far, any side may lose on any given day.