Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, a crucial member of the Indian Team, has reportedly started his training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The Indian team management is looking to have him fully fit for the ICC ODI World Cup knockouts, which will begin on November 15.
The 30-year-old is recovering well at the NCA after sustaining a left ankle injury that has kept him away from the field. Hardik Pandya has missed two matches so far as he twisted his ankle during the match against Bangladesh in Pune. India brought in Suryakumar Yadav at no.6 place, with Mohammed Shami playing as the third seamer in the team.
According to the reports in Cricketnext, Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya has already commenced his practice session at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), under the watchful eyes of the BCCI medical team. It has been reported that the Indian team management is keen on giving him enough time to recover from his injury and ensure he is fully fit before making a return to the national team.
“Hardik Pandya has already had a couple of net sessions at the NCA, is under constant supervision of the BCCI medical team and looking good, It will be difficult to put a date on return at this stage but signs are encouraging and India’s unbeaten run has certainly allowed him more time to recover and be ready for the knockouts.”
“See, no one wants to burden Hardik with travelling at this point. He is already in Bengaluru and could well rejoin the squad there itself. Whether he plays that game or not is too early to say but the Bengaluru link-up is very much on the cards because that game would mean no travel also,” The Source said.
India was forced to take the field without Pandya in their last two matches against each other, as they lacked the luxury and safety of a having sixth bowling in the game. With the all-around player’s return imminent, the team management will have to cope with the joyous headache and glut of players once more.
India still has three matches remaining: a play against Sri Lanka in Mumbai, a match against South Africa in Kolkata, and a match against the Netherlands in Bengaluru. He could end up playing for the team when they play the Dutch team in the league final.