ODI World Cup 2023: Hardik Pandya ruled out of New Zealand clash with ankle injury

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the 2023 ODI World Cup clash against New Zealand, to be played on October 22 in Dharamsala. The Indian team hit a major setback in their recent clash against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19 as Hardik twisted his left ankle and was only able to bowl three deliveries before he had to walk out of the field.

The injury occurred in the ninth over of the game; Pandya had to limp out of the field with the help of the support staff, with Virat Kohli bowling the remaining three balls of his over. Pandya returned to the field but did not bowl, while he was not needed to bat during India's chase. 

"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 rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team. He will not be taking the flight to Dharamsala with the team on 20th October and will now join the team directly in Lucknow where India play England," a BCCI release said.

As per a report by Cricbuzz, Pandya’s scan reports are being sent to a specialist doctor in Mumbai. Speaking of the same, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma stated that the injury was nothing serious or major to worry about, and the side will be assessing how he feels in the future.

"He pulled up a bit sore; nothing really major to worry about. We'll see how he feels tomorrow morning and then plan how to go forward,” Rohit said.

Virat Kohli’s ton helps India keep winning run alive

Coming out to bat first, Bangladeshgot off to a good start as Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das scored 51 and 66 runs, respectively. Furthermore, Mushfiqur Rahim added 38 runs, with Mahmudullah scoring 46 runs on the board. 

Bangladesh posted a total of 256 runs on the board in the first innings and chasing the target, team India put forth a sensational batting performance. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill scored 48 and 53 runs, respectively, while Virat Kohli smashed his 48th ODI century, amassing 103 runs to help India win by seven wickets.