Hardik Pandya Sidelined from Bowling Against Bangladesh; BCCI Shares Concerning Update After Ankle Injury

Hardik Pandya’s unfortunate departure from the field has dealt a significant setback to Rohit Sharma’s Team India during the ongoing ICC World Cup. The all-rounder sustained an ankle injury while delivering his first over against Bangladesh in match No.17 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

Pandya made a valiant effort to stop a straight drive by Litton Das in the ninth over of India’s innings. The Indian medical team promptly attended to him, leading to a temporary pause in the match for treatment. Despite having his right ankle strapped by the physio, Pandya attempted to continue his spell after a considerable delay in the World Cup match. However, as he hobbled towards his bowling mark, discomfort in his left ankle forced him to reconsider.

After a brief discussion with skipper Rohit, Pandya made the tough decision to retire to the pavilion for the remainder of the innings. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided a crucial update on Pandya’s condition, revealing that he is undergoing scans in Pune. “Hardik Pandya’s injury is currently under assessment, and he is being taken for scans,” stated the BCCI.

As for Pandya’s potential return to bat during the Indian innings, former England cricketer Nasser Hussain, who was on commentary duty for the World Cup match, indicated that Pandya wouldn’t be rejoining the field for the rest of Bangladesh’s innings. Pandya can only bat for India against Bangladesh after a waiting period of 120 minutes or five wickets have fallen. In Pandya’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav has taken his place as a substitute fielder for the World Cup hosts in Pune. Furthermore, former India captain Virat Kohli, for the first time in six years at the World Cup, completed Pandya’s over by rolling his arm over.