WC 2023: Ligament Damage Sidelines Hardik Pandya from India vs. England Match

Lucknow, 25th October 2023: In an unfortunate setback, allrounder Hardik Pandya will be absent for the upcoming World Cup match against England due to ligament damage. This marks his second consecutive absence from the tournament, as he continues to recuperate from an ankle injury sustained during a match against Bangladesh in Pune.

While Hardik Pandya’s left ankle has shown considerable improvement with reduced swelling, he is expected to resume bowling towards the weekend. To prioritize his recovery, Pandya is still under medication, according to a source from the National Cricket Academy.

If Pandya’s recovery stalls and he is unable to participate as a batsman, Suryakumar Yadav is likely to maintain his position in the Playing 11. Suryakumar Yadav faced an unfortunate run-out during India’s recent victory against New Zealand in Dharamsala.

Given the pitch conditions at the Ekana Stadium, which have shown favorability to slower bowlers, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin may re-enter contention for the squad. Ashwin had previously played in India’s opening match of the World Cup 2023 against Australia in Chennai. A fitness test for Hardik Pandya is scheduled for Thursday, and his return date will be determined following the medical team’s evaluation.