IND vs ENG: India is the only undefeated team in the ICC World Cup 2023 so far. They have won 5 out of their 5 games are are sitting at the top of the table. Their chances to qualify for the semi-final are looking very bright and it would be a big surprise if they don’t make it. They are next slated to lock horns against England on Sunday (29th October) in Lucknow and would be hoping to continue their winning run.
IND vs ENG: Hardik Pandya likely to miss 3 games of World Cup 2023; Nature of injury revealed
Hardik Pandya’s injury is much worse than expected. The all-rounder was expected to be fit for the IND vs ENG game but the recent reports in Times of India have suggested a completely different story, which might be a cause of concern for the team.
The reports have suggested that Hardik Pandya has a ligament tear and is doubtful for the India’s next three games. Earlier some reports also suggested that the all-rounder has recovered fully but BCCI might rest him for the IND vs ENG game as a precautionary measure.
But things aren’t as they seem. Hardik Pandya is expected to miss the next three games and it’ll be a huge setback for the Indian team. Although Rohit Sharma-led side have won five out of their five games in the tournament and are at the top of the table, but they lack balance without Pandya.
To seal the semi-final spot, India needs to win their next few games and for that, Hardik Pandya will be crucial. The all-rounder injured himself during the game against Bangladesh in Pune and immediately walked off the field in pain.
Pandya was then ruled out of the game against New Zealand and in his place Suryakumar Yadav was drafted into the XI. The move didn’t work as he was run out. However, if the reports related to Hardik being out for three games, we might see India persisting with Yadav.
IND vs ENG: R Ashwin is in contention to play against England
Apart from Hardik Pandya, there have been reports in PTI, that have suggested that R Ashwin is in contention to play the IND vs ENG game. The match is slated to take place in Lucknow, where the surface traditionally has helped spinners.
Also with the number of left-handers in the England team, bringing in R Ashwin could be a good move. But the question remains who will he replace in the team. Mohammad Shami picked a fifer in the last match and it would be tough to drop him but he might have to face the unfortunate snub, considering the conditions.