Mumbai, Nov 2: Hardik Pandya is set to miss two more matches at the ODI World Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka and South Africa as he continues to recover from his ankle injury.Hardik 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 on October 19.
Since that injury, the 30-year-old Pandya has missed the New Zealand clash in Dharamshala and England match in Lucknow and is currently undergoing treatment for his injury at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
According to an ESPNcricinfo report, India team management is unlikely to rush him back till at least the final game of the league stages, against Netherlands on November 12, to be played in Bengaluru. It added that Hardik is expected to take his time with the recovery at NCA.
Notably, Pandya has been a key part of India’s bowling attack while taking five wickets in their opening three matches of the ongoing World Cup. The right-hander batter is also a damaging middle-order batter but has only been called on once so far in the tournament for 11 not out against Australia.
In absence of Hardik, India played Suryakumar Yadav, and replaced Shardul Thakur with Mohammed Shami against New Zealand. Suryakumar was run-out for 2, but Shami picked up a five-for and played a crucial role in host’s win.
The Rohit Sharma led side India stuck to the same playing XI for the England game registered a dominating win over defending champions.
India are currently the only unbeaten side in the tournament, with six wins from as many matches. They will take on Sri Lanka at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on November 2.