[Saba Sports News] India all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s return date has been revealed, indicating that he is likely to miss the entire league phase and return for the knockout stage of the World Cup 2023. Hardik had suffered an ankle injury during a league-stage match against Bangladesh in Pune, causing him to miss the subsequent games against New Zealand and England.
Reports suggest that Hardik Pandya has been showing significant improvement and has started net sessions at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru under the supervision of the BCCI medical team.
While the exact return date remains undisclosed, Team India is unlikely to be concerned about his absence or rush him back into the playing XI, especially after securing two sensational wins in the last two matches.
One of the main concerns during Hardik’s absence was the balance of the team, leading to discussions about whether India should include an extra batter or bowler in the lineup against New Zealand and England. The team ultimately made two changes: Suryakumar Yadav was included to compensate for Hardik’s batting skills at No. 6, and Mohammed Shami replaced Shardul Thakur to provide a capable third seamer. Despite having only five bowling options, the combination of Jasprit Bumrah and Shami proved effective, resulting in comprehensive victories against both 2019 finalists. Shami, who had been rested in the initial four games, emerged as India’s standout bowler with nine wickets, including a record-breaking five-wicket haul.
The source mentioned, “No one wants to burden Hardik with traveling at this point. He is already in Bengaluru and could well rejoin the squad there itself. Whether he plays that game or not is too early to say, but the Bengaluru link-up is very much on the cards because that game would mean no travel also.”
India has three more league games remaining against Sri Lanka in Mumbai, South Africa in Kolkata, and Netherlands in Bengaluru.