Rohit Sharma gives update on Hardik Pandya’s injury

India have been without the services of all-rounder Hardik Pandya since he injured himself, while trying to stop a ball from going to the boundary, off his own bowling, against Bangladesh on October 19, in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023.

On Wednesday, Rohit Sharma gave a crucial update on the status of Hardik’s injury. The Indian captain stated that the condition of the star player is being monitored on a day-to-day basis. Rohit didn’t mention an exact date for Hardik’s return but confirmed that he wasn’t available for selection for Thursday’s game against Sri Lanka, slated to be played in Mumbai.

“Whatever procedure he went through after the injury, it was very positive. He is obviously not available for tomorrow’s [Sri Lanka] match. But it is an injury that we have to see every day how much percent he has recovered, how much he is bowling, how much he is batting. So we are monitoring it on a day-to-day basis. The way it’s going, hopefully we’ll get to see him as soon as possible. That’s all I can say for now,” Rohit Sharma said in the pre-match press conference.

Selection conundrum for India ahead of knockout phase of World Cup

As per ESPNcricinfo, Hardik Pandya also remains doubtful for India’s ODI World Cup game against South Africa on November 5, at Eden Gardens, in Kolkata. It is uncertain whether the 30-year-old could be back for India’s last league game against the Netherlands in Bengaluru, which is slated to be played on November 12.

Due to the absence of Hardik, who brings a lot of balance to the side with his all-round abilities, India made two changes, bringing in Suryakumar Yadav and replacing Shardul Thakur with Mohammed Shami. The Mumbai batter scored an important 47-ball 49 in India’s most recent encounter against England. Shami, on the other hand, has shown exemplary form as he has picked up nine wickets in just two matches. When Hardik gets fit, the Indian team management would be in for a massive selection headache.