Ankle Injury Sustained: Hardik Pandya will miss Australia, South Africa series

Hardik Pandya, the versatile all-rounder, is set to remain sidelined for a minimum of two additional months due to an ankle injury. This injury occurred when he attempted to halt a ball while bowling during the World Cup league match against Bangladesh

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Two weeks ago, Pandya was instructed to bowl in practice sessions, with his strength and conditioning coaches advising a gradual increase in speed. The coaching staff emphasized the importance of not exerting excessive pressure on his ankle during this recovery process

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During the initial phase of bowling, Pandya encountered no issues in the first three deliveries. Encouraged by this, he decided to escalate the intensity of his bowling on the fourth ball, resulting in some discomfort and pain in his leg, a report from Indian Express said

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The incident unfolded when Pandya, in an attempt to prevent a shot from Bangladesh's Liton Das, lost balance and dragged his right boot while landing on the pitch. Visibly uncomfortable, he rose to his feet, indicating the onset of discomfort

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Following the injury, Pandya was swiftly taken to the National Cricket Academy for rehabilitation, subsequently ruling him out of the ongoing World Cup. The medical team is currently deliberating on whether a surgical intervention will be necessary

Unfortunately, Pandya's absence will extend to the upcoming T20I series against Australia on home turf and in three T20Is and three ODIs during the series in South Africa, adding to the duration of his recovery, as reported by Indian Express

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