India’s Hardik Pandya after getting injured during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup ODI match between India and Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, on October 19, 2023.
| Photo Credit: K. R. Deepak

Hardik Pandya’s sprained his left foot during India’s facile win against Bangladesh on Thursday may result in dealing a severe blow for India’s hope of regaining the World Cup.

Hardik, the allrounder who is one of the most vital cogs for India’s team balance, hurt himself while attempting to stop a return drive in his opening over. Soon after being treated by the physio, Hardik attempted a run-up but aborted it midway before heading back into the dressing room in visible despair.

Virat Kohli completed the unfinished over after Hardik returned to the dressing room 49 minutes into the game. Almost an hour later, the Indian team management confirmed he had been taken to a hospital for a scan.

While captain Rohit Sharma told the host broadcaster there’s “nothing major” about Hardik’s injury after the game, a team spokesperson reiterated that the medical team was “monitoring” Hardik while “awaiting the scan results”.

The Hindu understands that Hardik returned to the stadium around the innings break. While his foot was heavily strapped, he was not required to bat as India’s top three – led by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten hundred – made short work of a below-par target of 257 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association international stadium.

With India set to play New Zealand in a crucial tie on Sunday, it will be interesting to see India’s combination should Hardik be unavailable. In his absence, India will be forced to play five specialist bowlers and add a specialist batter in the line-up.

Hardik Pandya being given medical treatment after injuring his left ankle while bowling during India’s match against Bangladesh in the ICC World Cup 2023 at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on October 19, 2023.
| Photo Credit: ANI

In a major injury scare for India, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya hobbled off the field after twisting his ankle while bowling his first over in a World Cup match against Bangladesh in Pune on Thursday (October 19).

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Pandya suffered the injury during the third delivery of the ninth over when he attempted to stop a straight drive from Bangladesh opener Litton Das with his right foot in his follow-through.

He twisted his ankle as the ball passed under his leg and he stumbled to the ground.

On air, former England captain Nasser Hussain confirmed that Pandya will not be taking the field for the remainder of Bangladesh innings.

A little later, BCCI in it medical update, said: “Hardik Pandya’s injury is being assessed at the moment and he is being taken for scans”.

Pandya felt discomfort from the moment he stood up before getting his right ankle strapped, resulting in in a long delay. He hobbled towards his bowling mark before realising that he could not carry on and walked off the field.

Suryakumar Yadav came in as the substitute fielder.

Virat Kohli bowls in an ODI for the first time since 2017

Much to the cheer of the crowd, Virat Kohli rolled his arm over to complete the over. This was the first time after six years (2017) when Kohli rolled his arm in an ODI.

The Indian team management will be anxiously waiting for the result of Pandya’s scans as he lends a critical balance to the team composition.

He has been used as the first change option ahead of Shardul Thakur. With India’s top order firing, Pandya has not had much to do at number six but his batting skills are as important as his seam bowling.