Hardik Pandya does not have a fracture but likely to miss next three World Cup 2023 matches for India

Hardik Pandya hasn't suffered any fracture but is all set to miss India's next two matches against England and Sri Lanka. The premier all-rounder could return to play against South Africa on November 5, but he is certainly expected to be fit before the last league stage game against Netherlands on November 12.

Reports have suggested that Hardik Pandya, who twisted his ankle in the match against Bangladesh, would start bowling again towards the end of the ongoing week. Earlier, the 30-year-old was expected to link up with the Indian squad in Lucknow where India lock horns against England on Sunday, October 29.

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However, there are changes to the plan now. The star cricketer will also miss India's match against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 2. During the period, he will continue spending time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

"Hardik is still under medication. While the swelling on his left ankle has subsided considerably, he will start bowling only towards the weekend. Right now, it is important to give him time to recover," an NCA source told PTI.

"Pandya has suffered a bad sprain but fortunately not a fracture. The BCCI medical team wants to take maximum precautions. He is likely to miss the next two to three matches. The team wants him fully fit for the knock-out stage," a BCCI official said.

India were forced to make two changes against New Zealand in Dharamsala in the absence of Hardik Pandya. Mohammed Shami walked in as a specialist pacer in place of Shardul Thakur. Suryakumar Yadav was also inducted in the playing eleven to bolster the batting strength of the team.

India are well on course to qualify for the semi-finals after winning each of their first five matches. The same would not hurt Hardik Pandya's in the next few matches. India would just be hoping for Hardik Pandya to regain full fitness ahead of the crucial knockout games.