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When Would Hardik Pandya Return? Here's A Massive Update On Indian All-Rounder

image-loce0fojPandya has missed two WC matches in this tournament (x.com)

Hardik Pandya's return to India colours from an untimely ankle injury may have to wait until the semifinals stage of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. 

The premier India all-rounder, who has now missed two consecutive league stage fixtures after hurting his ankle during the match against Bangladesh in Pune, has been under rehabilitation since at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore. 

Pandya didn't travel for matches versus New Zealand and England as he has stayed put under the supervision of NCA medical staff and physios over the past 10 days. 

But reports are that the cricketer is showcasing "encouraging signs" in his recovery and could be seen bowling full-tilt and going hammer and tongs with his willow at the knock-outs stage. 


Pandya To Return For World Cup Semifinals?

As per a report by 'Cricket Next', the 30-year-old key fast-bowling all-rounder is going to return in time for the semifinals after the team management has decided not to take any risks with his injury in the coming league games, especially with India's top 4 slot pretty much confirmed. 

"Hardik Pandya has already had a couple of net sessions at the NCA, is under constant supervision of the BCCI medical team and looking good," a source privy to the developments said in the report. 

"It will be difficult to put a date on return at this stage but signs are encouraging and India’s unbeaten run has certainly allowed him more time to recover and be ready for the knockouts."

Having battered England in Lucknow to go 6-0 up in their incredible run, India are set to lock horns with Sri Lanka (November 2) in Mumbai, South Africa (November 5) in Kolkata and the Netherlands (November 12) in Bangalore before they head to the final round. The last league match in Bangalore could be used as a warm-up exercise for Pandya's return. 

"See, no one wants to burden Hardik with travelling at this point. He is already in Bengaluru and could well rejoin the squad there itself. Whether he plays that game or not is too early to say but the Bengaluru link-up is very much on the cards because that game would mean no travel also," the source said.