Reports: Hardik Pandya set to miss Afghanistan T20Is, hopeful for IPL 2024

Hardik Pandya World Cup 2023. (Photo Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

Hardik Pandya suffered an ankle injury when he tried to stop a boundary off his own bowling in an ODI World Cup 2023 clash between India and Bangladesh. This encounter took place on October 19. Two months have passed since that incident but the Baroda all-rounder has not yet recovered.

Hardik was ruled out of India’s five-match T20I series at home against Australia and the ongoing tour to South Africa. A few days ago, reports suggested that the 30-year-old would not only miss the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan but also the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

However, a latest report from India Today has stated that Hardik is likely to be ready in time for IPL 2024. The T20 World Cup 2024 is going to be held in June, following the completion of the IPL. The experienced all-rounder will be a key player for India in the marquee event. If he can get some game time during the IPL, ahead of the World Cup, it will bode well for the ‘Men in Blue’.

Hardik couldn’t make much of an impression in the ODI World Cup 2023 as he scored just 11 runs in the only innings he played and picked up five wickets. He would be raring to do well in the T20 World Cup and help India finally end their jinx in ICC events.

Hardik Pandya joined Mumbai Indians as their new skipper for IPL 2024

Hardik Pandya has returned to the five-time champions Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024. He was drafted back into the Mumbai-based franchise last month after spending a couple of seasons at the Gujarat Titans. Hardik’s homecoming was met with mixed reactions from the cricket fraternity. Mumbai dropped a bombshell earlier this month when they announced the Choryasi-born as their new captain, replacing the legendary Rohit Sharma. This irked the fans of the current India captain as they felt that the move was an insult to his immense contribution to the franchise.

Team India are currently playing the first Test of a two-match Test series against South Africa. After this assignment, the ‘Men in Blue’ will take on Rashid Khan and Co. in a three-match T20I series, with the first game being played on January 11, in Mohali.