World Cup 2023: Hardik Pandya suffers ankle injury against Bangladesh

India have been dealt a massive injury blow when Hardik Pandya limped off the field with an ankle injury during their World Cup contest against Bangladesh in Pune on Thursday. In India’s fourth round robin match of the tournament, Pandya went down to the ground in his follow-through.

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Bowling his first over of the match, the ninth of the innings, Pandya seemingly twisted his ankle in the follow-through and it was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later that he would not be returning for the remainder of the innings.

BCCI posted on social media, “Hardik Pandya’s injury is being assessed at the moment and he is being taken for scans.”

The physio ran out immediately to tend to Pandya and worked on the ankle for a few minutes. The all-rounder tried to finish off his over but looked to be in too much pain to continue. As Pandya hobbled off with support from the physio, Virat Kohli completed his over.

After the match, which India won by 7-wickets, India captain Rohit Sharma said, “He (Hardik) pulled up a bit sore, nothing really major to worry. We’ll see how he pulls up tomorrow morning and then plan on how to go forward.”

In a statement, BCCI confirmed on Friday that he will miss India’s encounter against New Zealand in Dharamsala. “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,” said the statement quoting BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

“The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team.”

“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 play England.”

The injury comes at a time when India were looking to be in complete control of their destiny at the World Cup after months of injury-affected issues. Coming into the World Cup, India had been cautious with Pandya’s bowling workload.

With Pandya unavailable, the focus shifts to Shardul Thakur who has been largely unused despite playing the last two matches in the World Cup and missing the opener. He bowled six overs against Afghanistan and two overs against Pakistan. Thakur, a specialist bowler who can bat, has been used after Pandya by Rohit Sharma thus far.

If Pandya remains out, Shardul could bat at No. 7 and someone comes in to bowl Pandya’s share of 10 overs. Or, the team brings in an extra batter and work their way around five bowlers.

Pandya had bowled 16 overs in the three World Cup matches and taken five wickets. India are one of the two unbeaten teams in the tournament with New Zealand the other. After Bangladesh, India move to Dharamsala where they face the Black Caps who have four wins in four.