In a dramatic turn of events during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, Team India faced a significant injury scare when their star all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, sustained an ankle injury during the fourth league match against Bangladesh. The incident occurred at the MCA stadium in Pune, leaving fans and the Indian cricket fraternity concerned.
Pandya’s ankle twist
The unfortunate incident took place in the ninth over of the innings, while Pandya was delivering his first over. In an attempt to stop the delivery, Pandya appeared to twist his left ankle in his follow-through, immediately causing visible discomfort. It was announced later on the broadcast that Pandya would not return to the field for the remainder of the innings, raising questions about his participation in the World Cup.
BCCI provides an update
Swift action was taken by the team’s physiotherapist, who rushed to the scene to attend to Pandya’s injury. Despite initial attempts to continue, Pandya was in too much pain to complete the over. He was seen limping off the field to receive further treatment. At that point, Virat Kohli, the Indian superstar, stepped up to bowl the remaining three deliveries in the over. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued an official statement regarding Pandya’s condition, stating that the all-rounder has been taken for scans.
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“Hardik Pandya’s injury is being assessed at the moment, and he is being taken for scans,” the BCCI tweeted.
🚨 Update 🚨
Hardik Pandya's injury is being assessed at the moment and he is being taken for scans.
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/GpxgVtP2fb#CWC23 | #TeamIndia | #INDvBAN | #MeninBlue pic.twitter.com/wuKl75S1Lu
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 19, 2023
Pandya’s vital role
Pandya’s injury is a matter of concern for Team India. Notably, with the exception of Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, Pandya stands out as arguably the most indispensable member of the Indian squad due to his multifaceted role. While he possesses the skill to function as a specialist batter, his bowling prowess significantly bolsters India’s arsenal by serving as the much-needed sixth bowler. Pandya’s valuable contributions were evident in his 16 overs bowled in the first three World Cup matches, where he claimed five pivotal wickets.
Kohli rolls his arm
Due to Pandya’s injury and evident discomfort, captain, Rohit Sharma called upon Kohli to deliver the remaining delivery in Pandya’s over. This moment became even more extraordinary as it marked the first time in six years that Kohli had bowled in a One-Day International match. The former India skipper only conceded two runs and the crowd was left captivated by this unexpected display of Kohli’s skills.
