Mumbai Indians recently announced Hardik Pandya as the team’s new captain. Still, due to an ankle injury during World Cup 2023, he will miss some starting IPL matches, according to a report on Saturday.
Hardik Pandya Ankle Injury Updates
There is little hope for Hardik’s quick recovery from his ankle injury, so it is unlikely that he will be able to participate in the IPL 2024 and Afghanistan series.
Due to injury, he had to be absent from the white ball series against Australia and the series against South Africa in December.
The non-publicity agreement between BCCI and PTI stated, “Nothing can be said about Hardik’s fitness update as of now, and there is a big question or mark on his availability till the time of reaching the IPL final match.”
Hardik’s fatigue injury has been a matter of concern for both the five-time champions Mumbai Indians and India for a long time. MI can once again hand over the team’s command to Rohit Sharma. On the other hand, the national team will consider giving the team captaincy to Rohit Sharma for the Afghanistan series.
Rohit Sharma On Hardik Pandya Fitness
However, if Rohit Sharma continues his hiatus, the contender for the vice-captaincy could be Ravindra Jadeja, as he played a vital role in the South Africa T20I series. Nevertheless, Jadeja’s participation in the upcoming five-test series against England is almost inevitable. In such a situation, the management may have to have a strong discussion. Additionally, Ruturaj Gaikwad, a leadership option, is out due to a finger injury.
However, Rohit Sharma, regarding Hardik’s fitness, said, “He has a little pain, but there is nothing to worry about. We will see whether he is ready for the upcoming matches or not and then make a plan”.
Hardik Pandya Doubt For IPL 2024
The uncertainty regarding Pandey’s ankle recovery is not only the reason for his absence in the Afghanistan series but also why he is believed unable to play for Mumbai Indians in the entire IPL 2024.
30-year-old Hardik Pandya, after becoming the Gujarat Titans champion twice, has returned as the captain of his old team and five-time IPL title winner Mumbai Indians. In his two seasons, Hardik Played 30 innings for the Titans, scoring 833 runs at an average of 41.65 and a strike rate of 133.49. He took 11 wickets in bowling with an economy of 8.1.
Mumbai Indians Captaincy In Midstream:
The situation is very challenging for MI management as they brought back Hardik Pandya as the team’s captain, which is why Rohit Sharma’s 10-year tenure as the Captain for MI ended. Hardik’s injury may force the team to rethink the leadership strategy, due to which unexpected twists & turns may be seen during the season.
Jayawardene about Hardik Pandya’s Availablity and Injury Updates
MI head coach Mahila Jayawardene said, “This is part of staying true to the MI philosophy of building a legacy and being ready for the future.” “Mumbai was given extraordinary leadership from great captains like Sachin, Ricky Pointing, and Rohit Sharma, who have always focused on the team’s immediate success, both in the current situation and for the future. Considering this philosophy, Hardik Pandya will take charge of MI in IPL 2024.”
During the India vs Bangladesh match in the World Cup, Hardik Pandya was injured due to the solid straight drive of Lithon Das, the shot went straight to his ankle, due to which he had to face severe pain and he was taken back from the match.
Hardik is undergoing treatment by an England doctor at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. BCCI uploaded a post on its Twitter handle and shared, “Hardik Pandya’s injury is currently being assessed, after which doctors will send him for a scan.”
Hopefully, Hardik will get fully fit as soon as possible and entertain all the fans with his all-around talent in the IPL 2024.
https://www.insidesport.in/cricket/hardik-pandya-unlikely-to-be-fit-in-time-for-ipl-2024-report/
