Indian Cricket Team as well as the Mumbai Indians are likely to suffer a major blow. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya as per the reports in PTI is unlikely to be fit for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.
If this was not enough, Hardik Pandya also is in doubt about being fit in time for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. A source close to BCCI revealed that there’s no clarity about the all-rounder’s fitness and therefore a huge question mark remains on his availability for the upcoming events.
Hardik Pandya suffered an ankle injury during the ICC World Cup 2023 game against Bangladesh. While bowling, he twisted his ankle in his follow-through and then was ruled out of the entire tournament. It was expected that he would make a comeback in the T20 series against Australia but that didn’t happen.
Also Read: IND vs SA: India Playing 11 for the first Test against South Africa prediction
The injury ruled him out of the T20Is against South Africa as well. There were several reports which suggested that Hardik Pandya would make a comeback in the Afghanistan series but the reports have suggested otherwise.
This will be a huge blow for the Indian team because Hardik Pandya was expected to lead the team in the series and potentially the T20 World Cup 2024. But with now him being ruled out, there are even more question marks.
With Suryakumar Yadav and Ruturaj Gaikwad also suffering from injuries, it has placed doubts in the minds of many as to who will captain India in the T20I series against Afghanistan. BCCI would be expecting Hardik to get fit as soon as possible because he will be crucial for the team going forward.
Hardik Pandya’s injury a big blow to Mumbai Indians as well
Not only the Indian cricket team but Mumbai Indians will be facing a major blow if Hardik Pandya gets ruled out of the IPL 2024. The all-rounder was recently traded to the team and was made the captain of the team, replacing Rohit Sharma, who guided the team to 5 titles.
With Hardik Pandya being ruled out, the Mumbai Indian combination no doubt will be hampered but it will also give them a headache as to who to make captain. It remains to be seen how India and Mumbai will recover from this loss.