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Update out on Hardik's latest shoulder injury

October 26, 2021 14:34 IST

Hardik Pandya got injured while he was hit on the right shoulder while batting during the T20 World Cup game against Pakistan on Sunday, after which he did not come out to field.

IMAGE: Hardik Pandya got injured while he was hit on the right shoulder while batting during the T20 World Cup game against Pakistan on Sunday, after which he did not come out to field. Photograph: Francois Nel/Getty Images

Flamboyant India all-rounder Hardik Pandya's shoulder injury sustained during the T20 World Cup opener against Pakistan is believed to be a minor one and he is likely to be available for the next game against New Zealand on October 31.

 

Pandya, who did not bowl in the Indian Premier League last month, is playing only as a batter right now and scored 11 off 8 balls on Sunday night against Pakistan, looking distinctly uncomfortable against pacers before being hit on the shoulder by a short ball.

"Yes, Hardik's scan reports have come and the injury is not very serious. Also, the fact that there is a six-day gap between two games gives him enough time to recuperate," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

"But, obviously, the medical team would wait and watch as to how he shapes up during the training sessions," he added.

Pandya had recently said that he would be bowling during the knock-out stages but India's chances hinge on the New Zealand game. Losing the match would seriously jeopardise their prospects of going ahead in the tournament.

The games against Scotland, Namibia and Afghanistan are expected to be easy wins for India, Pakistan and New Zealand.

Therefore, if India lose to New Zealand, it will hamper their chances of making it to the top two in the group.

In this scenario, Pandya's fitness issues have seriously affected India's balance.

In fact, questions are being raised about chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma claims that Pandya would be bowling in the IPL to gear up for the World Cup.

He didn't bowl an over in the IPL and the communication on Pandya's fitness status between the team management and selectors seems baffling at this time.

There have been conflicting reports about when he would start bowling.

Before the Pakistan game, the player said that he would perhaps bowl in the knock-outs but the statement did not look convincing.

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