In what could be a massive blow for Team India, all-rounder Hardik Pandya injured his ankle during the ongoing ODI World Cup clash against Bangladesh on Thursday at Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium, Pune.
A vital cog in the India squad for the marquee event, Hardik twisted his ankle while bowling and looked in huge pain before heading back to the dressing room for medical attention.
Meanwhile, the BCCI also released an update on the all-rounder and said he was being taken for scans.
Notably, in third ball of the 9th over Bangladesh’s opener Litton Das hit him straight as Hardik tried to stop the boundary on the follow-through however, he twisted his ankle. The team’s physio quickly made to the ground to check on Hardik. A few minutes later, although Hardik stood and went to the bowling mark but looked in immense pain and failed to continue with the bowling.
In his absence, Virat Kohli completed his over.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s stand-in skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and opted to bat first in the absence of regular captain Shakib Al Hasan, who failed to recover from the left quad injury he suffered in the last game against New Zealand.
Hossain expressed that as it is a fresh wicket and the weather is pleasent, they want to put runs on the board. The Bangladesh stand-in skipper also announced two changes in his Plying XI as Nasum Ahmed replaced injured Shakib while Hasan Mahmud came in for Taskin Ahmad.
“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,” Najmul said at the toss.
On the other hand, India skipper Rohit Sharma said he would have bowled first anyway as bowing first has been working for his team and he did not want to change it.
“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 Rohit.
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