Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya will only be available for the Men in Blue’s final two World Cup league games against South Africa and the Netherlands, therefore India will continue to be without his services for the match against England in Lucknow, as he could continue his rehabilitation from the injury.

The 30-year-old was initially expected to be fit and prepared to play England on Sunday, October 29 in Lucknow, but more recent sources imply that he will rest as a precaution. It seems that Indian team management is reluctant to jeopardize the fitness of their premier all-rounder.

Hardik Pandya twisted his left ankle while attempting to stop a ball while following through against Bangladesh. He was hurried out of the game’s action for scans. When he was later sent to the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore to be evaluated by a skilled doctor from London, concerns over a long-term injury increased.

According to The Indian Express, Pandya hasn’t started to bowl since suffering an ankle injury during their game against Bangladesh. His recovery at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore would be allowed to continue for a few more days by the medical team. He is anticipated to travel to Mumbai or Kolkata to join the Indian team.

Prior to the game against New Zealand, In a Statement released BCCI shared the update regarding the injury status of Hardik Pandya.

“Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya sustained an injury to his left ankle while fielding on his own bowling during India’s match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised to rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in its statement.

Rohit Sharma and the rest of the team may start to wish they could enlist Hardik Pandya’s assistance when they face England even though they haven’t yet noticed his absence in the game against New Zealand but the Men in Blue might feel his absence in the game against England as they can only afford to field five specialist bowlers without the assurance of a fast-bowling all-rounder, India may not be able to field an additional spinner.

The Men in Blue will attempt to extend their winning streak at the ongoing ODI World Cup after defeating Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. In comparison, England has only been able to win one of their first four games under Jos Buttler.