Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya will miss the upcoming match against New Zealand due to a left ankle injury sustained during the game against Bangladesh in Pune. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced this setback in a media release on Friday, October 20. After undergoing scans, Pandya has been advised to rest and will be closely monitored by the BCCI Medical Team. He is expected to rejoin the team in Lucknow for their match against England.
The injury occurred in the ninth over of the match while Pandya was bowling when he attempted to stop the ball with his leg during the follow-through. He had to leave the field with the support staff, and Virat Kohli completed the over. After the scans, Pandya returned to the ground, ready to bat if needed, although it was not necessary as India comfortably chased down the 257-run target set by Bangladesh, winning the match by seven wickets.
India, undefeated in the World Cup so far, is scheduled to face table-toppers New Zealand on October 22 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. They will have a six-day break before their match against defending champions England at the Ekana stadium in Lucknow.
