Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to miss the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan due to an ankle injury but is likely to recover in time for the Indian Premier League, according to sources. Pandya sustained the injury during a league stage game against Bangladesh in the ICC Cricket World Cup on October 19, which ruled him out of the tournament. Since then, he has not played in any international matches, including the T20I series against Australia and the T20I and ODI series in South Africa.
The T20I series against Afghanistan, scheduled from January 11-17, will be India’s final international assignment before the ICC T20 World Cup in June. Suryakumar Yadav led the team in T20Is, while KL Rahul captained in ODIs in the absence of Pandya and regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who took a break from white-ball cricket after the World Cup final.
This has put a bigger question on the mind of Mumbai Indians supporters, as they wonder whether Pandya will be fit and available for the 2024 edition of the IPL. He was supposed to be one of the key players ahead of the new edition of the marquee tournament. However, the player has breached every deadline that was set for his return.
Pandya moved to Mumbai Indians from GT in November
In November, Pandya moved from Gujarat Titans to his former franchise Mumbai Indians after a trade between the franchises. As the new skipper of Mumbai Indians, he faces the challenge of filling the shoes of Rohit Sharma, who led the team to five IPL titles. Pandya’s impressive performances for Gujarat Titans included scoring 833 runs at an average of 37.86 and a strike rate of over 133 in 31 matches, along with 11 wickets.
During his stint with Mumbai Indians from 2015-2021, Pandya played 92 matches, scoring 1,476 runs at an average of 27.33 and a strike rate of over 153. He also contributed with the ball, taking 42 wickets. Pandya has a remarkable IPL record, winning five trophies—four with Mumbai Indians and one with Gujarat Titans.
The all-rounder’s absence in the upcoming T20I series is a setback for the Indian team, but the focus is on his recovery for the IPL, where he will lead Mumbai Indians and strive to make a significant impact with both bat and ball. Pandya’s journey from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians adds an intriguing chapter to his cricketing career, and fans eagerly await his return to the international stage.
