Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to be absent from the team’s upcoming match against England in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. As reported by Cricbuzz, Hardik Pandya did not take part in the optional practice session with the Indian team on Thursday.

Hardik Pandya sustained an injury during the World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh at the MCA Stadium in Pune. The all-rounder has reportedly suffered a Grade 1 ligament tear. This injury is likely to extend his absence from the Indian team longer than expected.

Hardik Pandya Ruled Of The Upcoming World Cup Match

The Rohit Sharma-led team will take on the Jos Buttler-led side at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday, October 29. Hardik Pandya‘s availability for the upcoming match is uncertain, and he is likely to be ruled out for the match against Sri Lanka as well.

The team management is currently considering whether to go with three spinners or stick with three pacers, as they did in the previous match. Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin might have a chance to play, considering that the pitch generally favors spinners.

Hardik Pandya Will Be Under Constant Supervision – BCCI

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hoped that Pandya would recover in time for the match in Lucknow after sustaining an ankle injury against Bangladesh on October 19. Following the injury, Pandya underwent scans and was advised to rest.

“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,” in a media release, the BCCI had stated.

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

As per Cricbuzz, Pandya is presently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, with his return date still uncertain. His availability for the matches against Sri Lanka on November 2 and against South Africa on November 5 remains speculative.

Also read: IND vs ENG: Ligament Tear Puts Hardik Pandya’s Participation In World Cup In Jeopardy, Allrounder Ready To Take Injections To Play: Report