Hardik Pandya, the allrounder for India and newly appointed captain of Mumbai Indians, has successfully recovered from his ankle injury. He is anticipated to lead the Indian team in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan starting from January 11. Additionally, fans can expect to see him in action during the next IPL season.
Earlier concerns had emerged suggesting a prolonged absence for Pandya due to his injury, potentially sidelining him even for IPL 2024. Notably, Mumbai Indians had recently secured Pandya’s captaincy role by trading him from Gujarat Titans for Rs 15 crore.
The injury originated during India’s 2023 ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh in Pune last November, which led to his exclusion from the remaining World Cup matches and subsequent South Africa tour. However, insider sources indicate that Pandya is on track for a comeback, assuring his availability for the IPL and likely participation in the T20I matches against Afghanistan.
“Hardik is fit and fine. In fact, he has been working out daily. All the talk about him going on to miss the IPL is just rumour. There are still almost four months left for IPL-2024, so anything, at this moment, is just speculation“
Recently, Pandya shared a pair of videos on Instagram, showcasing his gym workout in one and enjoying playful moments with his son Agastya in the other. Additionally, BCCI insiders have indicated that he is on the path to recovery and is expected to participate in the upcoming IPL matches.
Speaking at the Women’s Premier League auction on December 9, BCCI secretary Jay Shah expressed optimism about Pandya’s potential comeback to international cricket, suggesting a possible appearance during the home series against Afghanistan consisting of three T20I matches.
“We are monitoring it (Pandya’s fitness) on a day-to-day basis. He is at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) only. He is working very hard and we will let you know in due course the moment he is fit.”
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav is poised to sit out the forthcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, commencing on January 11, owing to an ankle injury he incurred during the final T20I of the recently concluded series in South Africa.
A source said: “Suryakumar will take six to seven weeks to recover from his ankle injury. He’s suffering from a Grade 2 tear. He’s currently on a break and will report to the NCA in Bangalore next week”
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