Hardik Pandya is finally returning to cricket with the Mumbai Indians in the 2024 Indian Premier League after being sidelined due to a freak injury during the ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh last October. In an interview with Star Sports, Pandya shared the ordeal he went through after injuring his ankle while trying to stop a straight drive from Litton Das.
Estimated recovery period was 25 days
Initially, the doctors estimated a 25-day recovery period, but Pandya was determined to return before the World Cup ended. He underwent multiple injections and even had to remove blood from his swollen ankle to expedite his recovery. Despite knowing the risks of further aggravating his injury, Pandya pushed himself because he didn’t want to give up on playing in the World Cup.
Unfortunately, his determination led to a three-month extension of his recovery time. During this period, he couldn’t walk properly but still attempted to run, relying on painkillers to cope with the discomfort. Missing out on playing in the World Cup, especially since it was hosted in India, weighed heavily on his heart as representing his country is a matter of great pride for him.
Pandya emphasized that his preparations for tournaments begin well in advance, but this injury was unexpected. He had meticulously planned his routines for the World Cup a year prior, but fate had other plans. Despite the setback, Pandya’s commitment to his team and his passion for the game kept him pushing through the pain, even when it seemed unlikely that he would recover in time.
His absence not only affected his personal aspirations but also impacted the team’s performance as they faced defeats in crucial matches. However, Pandya’s return to the field is a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome obstacles.
Now, as he gears up to represent the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, Pandya’s fans eagerly await his comeback, hoping to witness his outstanding performances once again on the cricket field.
