In a bit of tough luck, Hardik Pandya, who had to step back from the current ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 due to an injury during the clash with Bangladesh, is encountering a hurdle in his recovery journey. The recent update suggests that the talented all-rounder might not be back in full form for the upcoming T20I series against Australia.
The recent update shows that the crucial all-rounder in the Indian side may not recuperate completely in time for the forthcoming five-match series against Australia, due to begin on November 23. His left ankle ligament damage is providing a barrier to his speedy comeback to the cricket field.
The announcement of the Indian team for the home T20I series against Australia is likely to be held till the men in blue step onto the field for the World Cup 2023 semi-finals, slated for November 15 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. As per the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) information provided with PTI, a more realistic plan for Hardik Pandya would be to aim for full fitness by the start of the South Africa T20I series in Durban on December 10.
“There is some time before Hardik can be declared fit and available for selection. It would be more practical for him to try and complete his rehabilitation with a possible ‘RTP’ (return to play) during the SA series. It will certainly be the NCA Sports Science Team’s call,” a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
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With Pandya on the sidelines, everyone is speculating over who might take the captain’s reins for the next Australian series post-World Cup. The gossip is that it may be either Ruturaj Gaikwad, the skipper with an Asian Games gold under his credit, or the dynamic Suryakumar Yadav stepping up to head the team.
As Suryakumar Yadav takes the stage in the ODI World Cup, holding his own alongside seasoned players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and the fast bowlers, he’s carving a niche as a specialist in the white-ball formats of both T20s and ODIs. This shift in his role underscores the importance of adopting a new and tailored strategy to elevate the team’s overall performance.
“It is an accepted norm that white-ball Indian specialists (especially batters) can play 25–30 games per year across two white-ball formats apart from the IPL, fitness permitting. Hence, if Surya himself doesn’t ask for rest, he is the favorite to lead the side. If not, Ruturaj is the next best choice,” the report further added.
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