Hardik Pandya Injury Update: All Rounder Advised Rest After Scans, To Miss India vs New Zealand World Cup 2023 Match

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Hardik Pandya Injury Update on October 20: The Indian all-rounder is set to miss India vs New Zealand World Cup 2023 match after being advised rest following scans on his injured ankle, said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The all-rounder picked up the injury during India's match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune on Thursday (October 19).

Hardik injured himself when he tried to stop the ball that hit straight down the ground on his follow through, but appeared to have twisted his left ankle in the process. He received treatment on the field and later hobbled off the field for further treatment.

It was announced later on the broadcast that Pandya would not return to the field for the remainder of the innings, raising questions about his participation in the World Cup. BCCI, however, stated in the update that the all-rounder was being taken for scans.

Following the scans, the Indian cricket board has given another update on Pandya's situation, which does not look very serious as he's being advised rest and will miss only the next match.

"Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya sustained an injury to his left ankle while fielding on his own bowling during India's match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune," BCCI's statement read.

"The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team."

How many matches will Hardik Pandya miss in the World Cup 2023?

The statement further added that Pandya will not be flying with the team to Dharamsala for the match against New Zealand, but will link up with his teammates in Lucknow for India's next match in the World Cup 2023 against England.

"He 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 play England," the BCCI added. So, Pandya is likely to get a good week's rest before he returns to practice.

India, who have made a perfect start of four wins in four matches, will next face another unbeaten side in New Zealand at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday (October 22) before they meet reigning champions England a week later on October 29 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

How Will India Cope With Hardik Pandya's absence?

India could use either Ishan Kishan or Suryakumar Yadav to fill in for Pandya if they need a genuine batter in middle order, meaning Shardul Thakur may still retain his place in the playing 11 as a bowling all-rounder, who bowls medium pace.