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In a significant blow to Team India, their star all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, has been ruled out of the forthcoming match against New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed this development, citing an ankle injury sustained by Pandya during a recent game.
Ankle injury sidelines Hardik Pandya
The BCCI issued a statement disclosing that Pandya suffered an injury to his left ankle while fielding during India’s match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Following the injury, Pandya was promptly sent for scans to assess the extent of the damage.
Rest and medical supervision advised
Upon reviewing the scan results, the medical team advised rest and constant medical supervision for Pandya. Consequently, he will not be traveling to Dharamsala with the rest of the team on October 20 for the match against New Zealand.
In an official statement, the BCCI said, “Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya sustained an injury to his left ankle while fielding on his own bowling during India’s match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team.”
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A return against England
However, there’s a silver lining for Team India and Pandya’s fans. The release from BCCI mentioned that Pandya is expected to rejoin the team in Lucknow, where India will face the defending champions, England.
“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 plays England,” the BCCI statement added.
With Pandya’s absence in the upcoming match against New Zealand, Team India will need to make strategic adjustments to their playing XI as they continue their quest for World Cup glory. Notably, both teams are unbeaten so far in the tournament with 4 wins each.
