Team India suffered a major blow on Thursday when all-rounder Hardik Pandya injured his ankle during the ODI World Cup clash against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Pandya, who is an integral part of India’s white-ball set-up, twisted his ankle while bowling and looked in immense pain. He went back to the dressing room to get medical attention, and the BCCI later confirmed that he was taken for scans.
The incident happened in the third ball of the ninth over, when Bangladesh opener Litton Das hit Pandya straight. Pandya tried to stop the boundary on the follow-through but twisted his ankle in the process. The physio ran quickly to the ground to check on him, and after a few minutes, Pandya stood up and went to the bowling mark. However, he was clearly in pain and could not continue bowling.
WATCH – Hardik Pandya Suffers Injury Against Bangladesh; Virat Kohli Bowls Completes The Over
Pandya’s injury is a major setback for India, especially considering his importance to the team. He is a versatile all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball, and his absence will be a big blow to India’s chances in the World Cup.
🚨 Update 🚨
Hardik Pandya’s injury is being assessed at the moment and he is being taken for scans.
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In Pandya’s absence, Virat Kohli completed the over. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first, and were 138/4 at the time of writing.
“Feeling proud to lead the side. We will bat today. It is a fresh wicket. It’ll be good for the team If we put up a good score. Shakib is struggling a bit, and Nasum replaces him. We have some great memories against India, hopefully, we continue our form. It’ll be a great match. Another change as Hasan comes in for Taskin,” said Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto at the toss.
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“Either way I would have bowled first. We are planning to stick with the same plan, don’t see any reason to change it. That Plays a crucial role in this World Cup, keeping everybody in their own space. The boys are confident and as well as enjoying the cricket. We want to continue this momentum with no change in the Playing XI,” said India captain Rohit Sharma at the toss.