Hardik Pandya’s Cricket Break: An Update on MI’s New Captain
Injury Woes Continue for Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya faced a severe ankle injury during the 2023 World Cup, and his recovery has taken longer than expected. This injury forced him out of two whiteball series, and there are concerns about his participation in the upcoming T20 series against Afghanistan and even the IPL 2024.
Doubt Threatens Over Upcoming Leagues
Media reports suggest that Hardik might miss the IPL in March, April, and May, which could extend his time away from cricket to five months. This absence raises questions about his role as the captain for the Gujarat Titans, to whom he was recently traded from Mumbai Indians.
Timeline of Hardik’s Injury
The injury occurred during the India-Bangladesh match in the 2023 World Cup. Initially, it was thought he would return after missing two matches, but later it was revealed that he was ruled out of the entire tournament. He also missed the home T20 series against Australia and the South African tour.
Impact on Team India’s Leadership
Hardik has been leading Team India in the T20 format for the past year, and he was expected to captain in the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, doubts now surround his availability, and Suryakumar Yadav, who led the team in Hardik’s absence, is also currently injured.
Potential New Captain for Team India
With uncertainty around Hardik’s return, there’s speculation about who will captain Team India in the T20 World Cup. Suryakumar Yadav is injured, and Ravindra Jadeja, the vice-captain in the T20 series against South Africa, might be a potential candidate. India’s last T20 series before the World Cup is against Afghanistan from January 11 to 17.
Impact on Mumbai Indians in IPL
If Hardik also misses the IPL, it would be a significant setback for Mumbai Indians. The team might need to consider alternatives for captaincy, such as Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, or Jasprit Bumrah.
Incident Leading to Injury
During the ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh, Hardik injured his left foot while trying to block a shot. Despite efforts from the physio, he couldn’t continue, and Prasidh Krishna replaced him.
Currently, the cricket community awaits updates on Hardik’s recovery and potential return to the field.
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