CWC 2023: Hardik Pandya to miss India’s clash against England

Hardik Pandya did not fly to Dharamshala along with the Indian  squad for their game against New Zealand owing to an ankle injury he had picked up during the team’s clash against Bangladesh. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)  had stated that Pandya will join the team straight in Lucknow for the England game on 29th October, however, news agency PTI has now reported that the all-rounder is still at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. As per a report in ESPNCricinfo, Hardik Pandya has sustained a minor ligament tear. A fitness test on October 26th will provide further clarity about his role in the tournament. 

Pandya’s exclusion prompted Shami and Suryakumar Yadav’s entry into the squad and with Shami having bagged the man of the match award, the selectors would be faced with yet another problem of plenty during India’s upcoming clash. India were in a spot of bother against New Zealand after having lost 5 wickets in their chase with only one recognised batter left. Fortunately Jadeja’s resolve was firm and India won with 2 overs to spare. India might however consider the inclusion of Ashwin for the game against England as the Lucknow track favours spin and India would get the additional assistance in the lower middle order.