The latest injury sustained by Hardik Pandya is more serious than first believed. At Pune’s MCA Stadium during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh.

After missing the match against New Zealand in Dharamsala, it was initially anticipated that Hardik Pandya would make a comeback for the encounter against the defending champions England at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium. Recent rumors, nevertheless, indicate that his return might be further postponed.

News18 reports that Pandya is unlikely to participate in India’s sixth World Cup 2023 match in Lucknow. An official from the BCCI stated that this move was made more as a precaution than as a significant issue.

Pandya is reportedly being observed by the National Cricket Academy (NCA), while another source clarified that this is not a serious issue. They believe he could recover by Wednesday or Thursday. Even if he can’t bowl at full pace, Pandya’s batting prowess remains valuable.

If Pandya doesn’t recover in time, Suryakumar Yadav is likely to retain his place in the Playing 11. During India’s recent victory against New Zealand in Dharamsala, Yadav was unfortunate to be run out.

Considering the spin-friendly conditions at the Ekana Stadium, Ravichandran Ashwin is a strong contender to return to the side. He last played in India’s World Cup opener against Australia in Chennai. Ashwin was replaced by pace-bowler Shardul Thakur from the second game onwards.

If Ashwin returns, he could likely replace Mohammed Siraj, who has struggled to take wickets in the World Cup 2023 after being India’s top bowler in the Asia Cup 2023 title win. So far, Siraj has taken 6 wickets in 5 matches at an average of 42.83.