IND vs AUS: Hardik Pandya to miss T20I series against Australia & South Africa

IND vs AUS: Hardik Pandya to miss T20I series against Australia & South Africa: In another blow to Hardik Pandya’s possible comeback to international cricket, he is set to miss Team India’s upcoming white ball assignments against Australia and South Africa after the conclusion of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.

As per the reports, Hardik Pandya, who suffered an ankle injury during the first half of the ICC World Cup 2023, will take at least two more months to recover from the setback, resulting in him getting sidelined from the upcoming T20I series against Australia and South Africa.

Notably, Hardik suffered a blow to his ankle during the game against Bangladesh in the ongoing World Cup 2023. The all-rounder tried to stop the shot off his bowling against Bangladesh opener Litton Das but ended up landing in an uncomfortable position. He appeared in extreme discomfort as the physio immediately attended to him.

He was withdrawn from the rest of the contest against Bangladesh and later taken to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for further investigation and course of action for his injury. Although India refrained from ruling him out of the World Cup 2023 initially, later he was deemed unfit to play the tournament and subsequently Team India drafted in pacer Prasidh Krishna into the side.

The BCCI’s medical team is still not sure if the Baroda-based all-rounder needs surgery to correct his injury.

A few days ago, Hardik was made to bowl in the nets at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) under the watchful eyes of the medical team. In the first three deliveries he bowled, the all-rounder looked fine, however, as soon as he increased his intensity in the fourth delivery, he complained of discomfort in his leg.

Hardik informed the medical team about the pain in his leg, after which the officials opted to go for another round of scans to get a clear picture of the extent of the injury. The reports of which are not yet revealed by the BCCI.

Interstingly, Hardik was seen in attendance at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai during the India vs New Zealand semi-final on November 15. He was seen cheering his teammates from the stands before he went inside the dressing room to congratulate Team India after their win.

The all-rounder penned a heartfelt note for the fans as he was adjudged unfit to partake in the remainder of the World Cup 2023. He said he is gutted to miss out on the World Cup 2023 matches but will cheer for the team.

“Tough to digest the fact that I will miss out on the remaining part of the World Cup. I’ll be with the team, in spirit, cheering them on every ball of every game. Thanks for all the wishes, the love, and the support has been incredible. This team is special and I’m sure we’ll make everyone proud. Love, always, HP,” wrote Hardik Pandya on X.

As things stand, Hardik is now likely to miss the three-game T20I series at home against Australia, scheduled to be held in November-December. Subsequently, he will also miss the South Africa tour, which comprises three T20Is and as many ODIs in the white ball leg.

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