Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of India’s next game against New Zealand at Dharamsala in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. He got injured at the time of bowling in Bangladesh Game at Pune on Thursday. Due to his injury Hardik could not continue in that game. Though India managed a comfortable win against Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh match, Hardik injured himself at the time of bowling his first and India’s 9th over. Hardik tried to stop Litton Das’s straight drive in his follow through. But unfortunately his ankle got twisted. Physio came in field. But Hardik was really in pain. He did not continue his over. He had to leave the field. Virat Kohli finished that remaining over. The all-rounder was taken for scans in the hospital. After the game against Bangladesh Rohit Sharma said, “There’s no major damage. That is good for us. But honestly, with an injury like that, you’ve got to assess every day. So we just hope that he pulls up well tomorrow morning. And then we will assess, whatever is required for us to do as a team, we’ll do that.”
On friday BCCI said, “Hardik 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.” BCCI also said, “He is advised rest and will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI medical team.” India will face England on October 29, seven days after the New Zealand match.
Pandya is one of the most irreplaceable player in the India squad because of his all round performances. He had bowled 16 overs in India’s first three World Cup matches and taken five wickets. Pandya also has the batting capabilities to hit in the slog. Now with their win against Bangladesh, India is holding the 2nd place in the point table with 8 points and +1.659 Net Run Rate just behind New Zealand. New Zealand are in the first position despite having same numbers of wins and 8 Points with +1.923 Net Run Rate. Not having Hardik in the match against New Zealand will definitely be a drawback for India.