India will be playing Match 21 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 fixture against 2019 finalists New Zealand at Dharamsala’s Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday without its star all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
Hardik Pandya, who has proved himself as a valuable player with his all-round performances, suffered an ankle injury while bowling just three deliveries in the match against Bangladesh at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday. He was taken off the field and remained out of the encounter.
Prolific batter Virat Kohli, who powered the side to a seven-wicket win in the game, completed Hardik Pandya’s over.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has confirmed that the 30-year-old has been sidelined from the game due to the extent of his injury.
He is expected to return to the team for the encounter against defending champions England on October 29th at Lucknow’s Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.
“He [Hardik Pandya] will not be taking the flight to Dharamsala with the team on 20th October and will now join the team directly in Lucknow where India plays England,” the BCCI stated. “He is advised rest and will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI medical team.”