Hardik Pandya likely to join Indian squad directly in New York post undisclosed vacation

Hardik Pandya ( Source : X / Twitter )

Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was not a part of the Indian contingent that travelled to New York for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Several star players like Rohit Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, and many more were captured taking the flight to New York for the tournament.

However, Hardik was missing from the group of players travelling to New York. It is worth noting that the Indian vice-captain underwent a horrendous season in the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024 as the new skipper of Mumbai Indians, and reportedly, the star all-rounder has been undergoing personal turmoil after rumours of his alleged separation with wife Natasa Stankovic have been doing the rounds.

Furthermore, Pandya has reportedly left the country after the conclusion of the IPL and is currently holidaying at an undisclosed location overseas. Interestingly, Pandya would be joining the Indian team in New York by the time of the first session for the T20 World Cup, as reported by Cricbuzz.

The remainder of the players, Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Avesh Khan, will be leaving for New York later, alongside Rinku Singh.

Kohli seeks BCCI permission to join squad late

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli was not part of the first batch of players leaving for New York, as the 35-year-old sought permission from the BCCI to extend his period of break after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s exit from the 17th season.

Now that the Indian contingent has touched down in New York, Rohit Sharma’s men will be playing a warm-up game against Bangladesh before they kick off their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 by taking on Ireland. The Men in Blue will face off against Ireland in New York in the eighth match of the tournament on June 5. Furthermore, the side will be taking on Pakistan in the much-awaited clash on June 9, at the same venue.

Interestingly, India are in Group A of the league stage, alongside Pakistan, the USA, Canada, and Ireland. After their clashes against the Irishmen and the Men in Green, India will take on the USA on June 12, followed by their last group encounter against Canada on June 15.