Pandya had twisted his left ankle during World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh in Pune.
Pandya had tried to stop a straight drive by Litton Das during the CWC 2023 match in Pune using his foot. But in the process, he lost his balance, and his left ankle twisted. He got up immediately but seemed in immense pain.
Though he received treatment from the physio and Indian team medical staff, Pandya couldn’t put weight on his foot when he tried to bowl. He went off the field and rushed to the National Cricket Academy for rehabilitation.
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After 2 weeks of rehab, Pandya was asked to bowl in the nets at the NCA, and by the fourth delivery, he began experiencing pain while going full burst. The support staff didn’t want him to put too much pressure on his ankle.
Another set of scans was done and Pandya was officially ruled out of the World Cup. Mohammad Shami replaced him in the playing XI, while Prasidh Krishna replaced him in the Indian squad.
And now fresh reports have stated that the injury is serious enough for Hardik Pandya to miss the upcoming five-T20I series against Australia at home. He will also not travel to South Africa for the white-ball series there.
The medical team is yet to take a call if Pandya needs surgery.
(Indian Express report)