India’s preparations for the forthcoming ODI series against Afghanistan have taken a major blow as all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out due to yet another injury, pushing back his much-anticipated return in ODIs.
After back spasms, Pandya had been returning to full fitness at the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. However, as soon as the star all-rounder seemed to be on the verge of a comeback, he is learnt to have felt fresh pain during rehabilitation sessions in what can come across as a crushing blow.
A medical assessment of him in Bengaluru showed a quadriceps strain, which is likely to rule him out for at least a couple of weeks. It is being understood that the development will rule Pandya out of India’s three-match ODI series against Afghanistan national cricket team which is set to start on June 13 in Dharamshala.
The two-match series, comprising games on June 17 and June 20 as well, was supposed to be Pandya’s return to international action. Was slated to be a part of the squad and was due to travel from Bengaluru to Dharamshala for India’s opening match. But plans have changed after the latest injury, with the all-rounder remaining at the Centre of Excellence continuing rehabilitation.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not yet formally announced the injury but is expected to announce a replacement for the series in a few days. The priority will be to keep the squad balanced, with Pandya being a seam-bowling all-rounder and middle-order batter.
There is disappointment but there is also optimism about his recovery timeline. The latest reports, however, suggest that Pandya may be fit to play again for India’s ODI tour of England next month. His return, though a realistic target, is still on track for the three-match series on July 14, 16 and 19.
With India now confirming its intentions for both the Afghanistan and England series, all focus will be on Pandya’s rehabilitation programme with fans wishing that the evergreen all-rounder overcomes his injury troubles in time to return successfully.
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