Amid mounting concerns, it appears that Hardik Pandya’s absence from the Indian cricket team might extend longer than initially anticipated. His absence from the team’s optional practice session on Thursday has sent a clear signal that he won’t be taking the field in the upcoming match against England on Sunday. However, there is now serious speculation circulating about the possibility of his recovery taking more time than expected.
Sources have indicated that the Indian all-rounder is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The exact timeline for his return remains uncertain. Whether he will regain fitness for the match against Sri Lanka in Mumbai on November 2 or for the game against South Africa in Kolkata on November 5 continues to be a topic of speculation. What is certain at this juncture is his unavailability for the Lucknow match.
Initially, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had expressed optimism that Pandya, who sustained an ankle injury in Pune while playing against Bangladesh on October 19, would recover in time for the Lucknow fixture. The BCCI’s statement outlined the injury and Pandya’s need for rest, indicating that he would join the team directly in Lucknow. Despite some sources insisting it’s a minor injury, doubts linger over his swift return.
In the interim, the team management is grappling with a critical decision: whether to include a third spinner like R Ashwin or stick with three pacers, mirroring the strategy in Dharamsala. Although the pitch in Lucknow isn’t excessively dry, a condition favoring spinners, the final call will be made closer to the match. The team, as per a spokesperson, is set for another optional practice session on Friday afternoon, indicating that preparations are in full swing.
