Hardik Pandya Likely To Miss World Cup Game Against England In Lucknow 

Hardik Pandya after getting injured against Bangladesh (X.com)

Hardik Pandya, India's star all-rounder is likely to miss his second game on the trot in World Cup 2023 due to an injury to his left ankle during the game against Bangladesh. Hardik missed the Dharamsala game against New Zealand and travelled straight to Lucknow from Pune for the England game which is scheduled to be played on 29th of October. However, despite the injury not being serious, reports have emerged that the team management do not want to risk Hardik and give him much-needed rest ahead of crucial second-half of World Cup 2023.

India have won all their 5 games so far and are at the top of the table which provides them a cushion to rest their key all-rounder and test out some other players in the squad.

According to the reports from News18, the BCCI official stated -

“Yes, Hardik is likely to miss the next match vs England in Lucknow. It is more of a precaution at this stage and nothing serious.”

Hardik is a crucial player for India with his all-round skills and provides a balance and much-needed sixth bowling option to the side, which can be critical in big games, especially in knockouts. In the absence of Hardik, Suryakumar Yadav was drafted into the side for the New Zealand game but he could not make much of an impact due to an unfortunate run-out. However, Mohammed Shami who came in for Shardul Thakur, showed his full range and took a five-wicket haul to stamp his authority against an in-form Kiwi unit.

Ravichandran Ashwin who played in India's first game of the tournament at Chennai might get a game in Lucknow as the pitch might help spinners there. It would be an interesting battle as England need a win desperately and it would be fascinating to see how they tackle a rampant Indian unit that has hardly put a foot wrong in this home World Cup.

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