Hardik Pandya Return Delayed, Will Miss More World Cup Matches (image-twitter/bcci)

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya who missed ICC World Cup campaign match against New Zealand following an ankle injury in the match against Bangladesh, is likely to miss two more matches in the ICC World Cup 2023. India had a tremendous start with all five wins but faced an unexpected blow when Hardik Pandya twisted his ankle on October 19 in Pune.

As per the report, the all rounder will be only available in the last two World Cup league matches against South Africa on November 5 and Netherlands on November 12, says Indian Express.

Soon after his injury, he was rushed to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and was taken under observation. BCCI has reported that he will neither travel with his team to Lucknow nor Mumbai but will join team in Kolkata.

“Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya 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. The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah had said in its statement.

The Indian team management doesn’t want Pandya to return to the game without full recovery. The team expects his return fully fit for the knock-out stage.

BCCI medical team has confirmed that Pandya had suffered a bad sprain but fortunately not a fracture.

Suryakumar Yadav and Muhammad Shami will replace Pandya in the next two matches against England and Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav who got a chance to play his maiden World Cup match against New Zealand on October 22 could not outperform well as he was dismissed in run out with Virat Kohli after scoring 2 runs.

While Muhammad Shami outshined by delivering his career best 5/54 in his 10 overs. As for the team, India remains unbeaten and sits atop the point table with five wins in a row.