The Baroda based cricketer who is also India’s first choice all-rounder, Hardik Pandya is set to miss the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh as his lower-back injury has resurfaced. It is also learnt that not just the Bangladesh series but Pandya might be sidelined for a long time.

While talking to PTI, a BCCI source revealed that Hardik will soon fly to the United Kingdom for an assessment of the injury, which was first sustained during the Asia Cup in Dubai last September.

“Hardik is also set to go the United Kingdom to consult the same doctor, who had treated him during the first injury post Asia Cup. He is certainly not playing the Bangladesh series but how long he will be out is still not clear. We will know after he comes back from the United Kingdom,” he said.

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While there have been some speculations that the 25-year-old might have to go under a back surgery which might keep him out for at least five months.

“Hardik was left out of Test squad as he didn't fit in the combinations. But then he is not in Baroda's Vijay Hazare team led by Krunal (Pandya). Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed and hoping that he doesn't need to go under the knife. Then he won't be back before the 2020 IPL,” the BCCI source added.

With no Hardik Pandya as well as possibly no Jasprit Bumrah, it will be interesting to see what combination the Indian team decides to play in the T20I series against Bangladesh.

(With PTI inputs)