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The ODI World Cup 2023 has been a smooth ride for the Indian cricket team thus far, with the Men in Blue putting forward impeccable performances and remaining undefeated in the tournament with five consecutive victories.
The Indian side will now next face defending champions England in a high-stakes showdown scheduled for October 29. However, there’s a cloud of concern hovering over the Indian camp amidst all the optimism and fervour as their star all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, will not be available for this crucial match.
Hardik Pandya’s ankle injury
A key player in the Indian cricket team, Hardik suffered an ankle injury during a clash against Bangladesh in the 17th match of the ODI World Cup 2023. The incident sent ripples of worry through the team, and he was promptly taken off the field. Although India skipper Rohit Sharma reassured fans that the injury was not too serious, Pandya was conspicuously absent in India’s subsequent game against New Zealand in Dharmsala.
Despite this, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian management remained hopeful of Pandya’s swift return to action, but it appears that their optimism has been met with disappointment.
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Pandya to not feature in the game against England
Recent reports from ESPNcricinfo suggest that Pandya is poised to miss India’s upcoming game against England as he has not yet fully recovered from the ankle injury. The report also indicates that Pandya will undergo a fitness test to determine his readiness to return to the field. This decision ultimately rests with the BCCI’s medical team, who will carefully assess Pandya’s condition before making a final determination.
Impact on India’s ODI World Cup 2023 campaign
Pandya’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Indian team in the upcoming clash against England. He is renowned for his remarkable ability to make significant contributions with both the bat and ball. In the ODI format, Pandya has amassed 1769 runs and taken 84 wickets, making him a valuable asset to the team. His dynamic skill set has been instrumental in turning matches in India’s favour, and his presence on the field adds depth and versatility to the team’s strategy.
