World Cup 2023: Hardik Pandya out of Sri Lanka, South Africa games, says report

Hardik Pandya’s absence from the cricket field is set to continue, if reports are to be believed. With India due to face Sri Lanka on Thursday (2 November) and South Africa on Sunday (5 November) within this week, it appears the all-rounder will not slot into the India playing XI just yet.

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India are unwilling to rush Pandya back into the playing XI, reports ESPNCricinfo, especially with India’s place in the semi-finals all but assured. The report says India could bring Pandya back for the final group fixture – against Netherlands – on 12 November – before the semi-finals kick in.

Pandya had picked up an injury while bowling against Bangladesh. As he tried to stop the ball on the follow through, the cricketer appeared to twist his ankle. He played no further part in that match and has been away from the field since 19 October. He missed the clash against New Zealand in Dharamsala and was expected to join the rest of the squad in Lucknow to face England but was forced to sit out with a ligament injury.

The 30-year-old has been undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) with his place going to Mohammed Shami and Suryakumar Yadav in his stead. To make up the dual responsibilities held by Pandya, Suryakumar is the designated batter while Shami has come in as the bowler to force Shardul Thakur out.

In the first match back, Shami took five wickets against New Zealand to restrict India to under 300 runs. India then had little trouble beating England, clinching a 100-run win.

After the clash in Lucknow, India’s bowling coach Paras Mhambrey had said that the medical team were in conversation with Pandya and the NCA, and that they were hoping to get an update on his fitness in the “next couple of days”.