World Cup: Hardik Pandya ruled out of fixture against New Zealand

Pandya suffered an injury while fielding against Bangladesh

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out World Cup match against New Zealand and will be joining the team for the match against England. Pandya suffered an injury while playing against Bangladesh. 

Pandya suffered an ankle injury while bowling against Bangladesh. Hardik underwent scans following the injury in Pune on Thursday and is heading to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for his recovery. India will play New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22.

BCCI in a statement said, “Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya sustained an injury to his left ankle while fielding on his own bowling during India’s match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised rest.”

It added, “He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team. He will not be taking the flight to Dharamsala with the team on 20th October and will now join the team directly in Lucknow where India plays England.” 

In all likelihood, K.L. Rahul will be Rohit Sharma's deputy for the New Zealand game. Rahul captained the side in the bilateral series against Australia in Rohit Sharma and Pandya's absence. India has a long gap between the Dharamsala and Lucknow game, which is scheduled for October 29.

The Indian players will get a short break after the New Zealand game and are expected to reassemble in Lucknow on October 26.