Picture Credit: ICC
Hardik Pandya has always been among the players who hog a lot of limelight, irrespective of their presence on or off the field. Not to take anything away from Pandya as it his potential and class that set him apart from everyone. From his power-hitting to excellent fielding to bowling, Hardik has always been one of the biggest finds for India.
However, what has been worrying everyone is the fact that Hardik is still recovering post his back surgery he underwent in October 2019. It is worth noting that his back problem has also forced him to limited bowling in the past couple of years and he has merely delivered for India with the ball in the period. Now, on Sunday, India have dealt with another severe blow as Hardik Pandya is not fielding in the game against Pakistan.
What happened to Hardik Pandya?
When Team India took the field on Sunday after mid-game to defend a target of 152, to everyone's surprise Hardik was not seen anywhere inside the ground. After not spotting Hardik fielding in the game, the fans started questioning on social media about why Hardik was not with the team.
Notably, on the last ball of the 19th over of India's innings, a short ball from Shaheen Afridi had hit Hardik Pandya on the shoulder and injured him. Though Hardik kept batting despite that, the consequences saw him missing the second half of the game as he was taken out for scans. An update on the injury is still awaited.
When can Hardik Pandya be seen bowling for India?
Just after the toss of the India vs Pakistan game took place, Hardik revealed the status of his recovering back. He stated that he won’t be bowling in the match against Pakistan but he could be seen contributing with the ball in the matches nearing the end of the group stage.
“The back is fine, it was jittery, but I won't be bowling for now. I want to be able to bowl eventually, closer to the knockouts,” said Hardik, adding, “The professionals and I both have to take the call about when I can have a bowl.”