Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of India’s ODI World Cup 2023 clash with New Zealand in Dharamsala, to be played on Sunday, due to an ankle injury, which he sustained in the seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh.
India vice-captain Hardik sustained an injury to his left ankle while fielding on his own bowling at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Thursday. He was forced from the field and took no further part in the game after being sent to hospital for scans.
Pandya is advised to rest and expected to join back up with the team ahead of their World Cup match against defending champions England in Lucknow on 29 October 29.
“The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised to rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team,” the BCCI said in a statement on Wednesday.
“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,” it added.
Bowling first, India received a blow in the ninth over when Hardik hurt his ankle and limped off the field. The all-rounder seemed to have twisted his ankle while trying to stop a shot from Litton Das with his right leg but ended up slipping in the process.
The 30-year-old Hardik, who landed awkwardly on his left leg, got up and tried walking but fell back to the ground as physio had to rush to the field. With Hardik in visible pain, he was advised to walk off the field and India captain Rohit Sharma asked Kohli to bowl the remainder of the over.
The former India captain bowled the remaining three deliveries, conceding two runs. Notably, this was the first time in six years that Kohli has bowled in a One-Day International. Virat last bowled a delivery in ODIs against Sri Lanka on August 31, 2017, conceding 12 runs in two overs.
Notably, Pandya has been a key part of India’s bowling attack while taking five wickets in their opening three matches of the ongoing World Cup so far. The right-hander batter is also a damaging middle-order batter but has only been called on once so far in the tournament for 11 not out against Australia.
India and New Zealand are the only undefeated teams left in the tournament as both sides have registered four comprehensive victories.Their clash in Dharamsala looms as one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage as both teams eye top spot in the Cricket World Cup Standings.
