Hardik Pandya limped off with an injury during India’s match against Bangladesh.© AFP
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to miss the team’s World Cup 2023 match against New Zealand, which will be played in Dharamsala on Sunday, October 22. Hardik limped off the pitch during India’s match against Bangladesh after twisting his ankle. During the 9th over of the Bangladesh innings, Pandya tried to stop a shot from Litton Das with his right leg but ended up slipping in the process. He landed awkwardly on his left leg and the physio had to rush to the field as Pandya looked in pain. The BCCI later confirmed that Hardik was taken for scans, and is being monitored by the medical team.
However, sources close to the BCCI have told NDTV that Hardik will miss Sunday’s game against New Zealand in Dharamsala. He is likely to join the team in Lucknow, ahead of India’s match against England on Sunday, October 29.
Earlier, India captain Rohit had revealed that Hardik’s injury is not too serious, but his availability against New Zealand remains a doubt.
“He (Pandya) pulled up a bit sore. There is no major damage, that is good for us. But obviously, with an injury like that, we have to assess every day and we will do whatever is required. (Game against NZ) Every game is a big game. (On the support) All of us in the squad have gone through such pressure – crowds coming in big numbers. It is special for us. The crowd has not disappointed us and I am pretty sure it is going to get bigger and louder moving forward,” Rohit had said after the match.
On Thursday, India defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in Pune.
With four wins in four matches, India is in the second spot in the points table with eight points. New Zealand is at the top with a better net-run-rate.
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