MUMBAI: In a setback for Indian cricket fans, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to miss the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan and the ICC T20 World Cup, according to sources. However, the source assured that Pandya is expected to recover in time for the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Pandya’s absence stems from an ankle injury sustained during a league stage game against Bangladesh on October 19. Despite being part of India’s ICC Cricket World Cup squad, Pandya played only four matches, showcasing his prowess with five wickets and a noteworthy batting performance, scoring 11* against Australia.
Since the injury, Pandya has not featured in international cricket, missing the T20I series against Australia and the subsequent tour to South Africa. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav led the team in T20Is, while KL Rahul took charge in ODIs.
The three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, scheduled from January 11-17, will be India’s final international assignment before the ICC T20 World Cup, slated for June in West Indies/USA.
Despite the setback, Pandya made headlines in November as he moved from Gujarat Titans (GT) to Mumbai Indians (MI) after a trade between the franchises. The dynamic all-rounder, known for his explosive batting and effective bowling, played a pivotal role in GT’s debut season in 2022, leading them to lift the coveted trophy.
Pandya now faces the challenge of filling the shoes of Rohit Sharma as the new skipper of MI, a team that has clinched five IPL titles under Rohit’s leadership. In 31 matches for GT from 2022-23, Pandya showcased his all-round capabilities, scoring 833 runs at an average of 37.86 and claiming 11 wickets.
Having also played 92 matches for MI from 2015-2021, Pandya’s return to the franchise where he tasted success is highly anticipated. The IPL fans eagerly await his comeback as MI gears up for the 2024 season.
By ANI
