Hardik Pandya injury update: India hold their breath

Cricket News: Hardik Pandya injury update: India hold their breath | Hardik Pandya injury update: When will the all-rounder return?

Hardik Pandya has been sent for scans following an awkward fall while attempting to stop the ball in his follow-through during the World Cup encounter against Bangladesh at Pune.

In the ninth over, Litton Das struck a straight drive that Hardik tried to stop with his right boot. The all-rounder landed awkwardly on his left leg, with his knee and ankle buckling under him.

He got up hobbling, barely able to walk, with Virat Kohli assisting him as the physio walked out to the field. There was a lengthy delay in proceedings as Hardik got his ankle strapped, but it made little difference as the seamer was unable to complete his over and had to leave the field.

Hardik Pandya injury update: All-rounder sent for scans

Hardik’s injury scare is a significant one. He was taken for scans during Bangladesh’s innings, where he will be assessed further.

“Hardik Pandya’s injury is being assessed at the moment and he is being taken for scans,” tweeted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

India are holding their collective breath as Pandya is crucial to his nation’s hopes of lifting a third World Cup. He provides that crucial all-round ability that gives the side balance, allowing them to field six bowling options.

Should Pandya be ruled out for any length of time, India may need to resort to either Shardul Thakur batting at seven or picking an extra batsman with five specialist bowlers to bowl ten overs each.