Hardik Pandya suffers ankle injury during India-Bangladesh World Cup game, taken off field

Indian allrounder Hardik Pandya suffered a left ankle injury and was escorted off the field during the World Cup match against Bangladesh, with expectations of his absence for the remainder of the innings.

What happened

• Pandya injured his left ankle during the follow-through of his first over in the match.
• The injury occurred during the ninth over, after Pandya had bowled three deliveries.
• Physios attended to him on the field, but he struggled to run and was subsequently taken off.
• Rohit Sharma asked Virat Kohli to complete the rest of Pandya's over.
• Broadcast announcements confirmed Pandya's absence for the rest of the innings.
• BCCI stated that he would undergo scans, and whether he will bat remains uncertain.
• It remains to be seen whether Pandya comes out to bat or not.

Pandya's indispensability in the team

• An injury scare for India's pivotal all-rounder poses a significant setback during this crucial stage of the tournament.
• Despite Shardul Thakur's availability, Rohit Sharma has trusted Hardik Pandya for his pace and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs.
• Pandya's recent performances include taking crucial wickets in matches against Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Australia.
• With a strike rate of 110.35 in ODIs, he serves as India's top finisher.
• The current Indian squad relies on three all-rounders, including Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur.
• Pandya's absence could force India to play with only five bowlers, positioning Shardul Thakur at no.7, or potentially relying on Mohammad Shami as the third fast bowler.
• Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah currently spearhead the pace attack.

Meanwhile, India made a strong comeback against Bangladesh after a shaky start. Kuldeep Yadav made a breakthrough in the 14.3 over, dismissing the dangerous Tanzid Hasan for 51 (43), followed by wickets from Ravindra Jadeja and Siraj.