World Cup 2023, IND vs BAN: Fans Worried As Hardik Pandya Leaves Field After Suffering Freak Ankle Injury

Pune: The Indian cricket team has kicked off their 2023 Cricket World Cup campaign with a stellar performance. However, they faced a major setback when their all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, had to leave the field due to a leg injury during their match against Bangladesh in Pune on a Thursday.

The incident occurred during the 9th over of Bangladesh’s innings when Pandya attempted to stop a shot from Litton Das with his right leg but slipped in the process. He landed awkwardly on his left leg, prompting the team’s physio to rush to the field as Pandya appeared to be in considerable pain. Although there was initial hope that Pandya could continue, it became evident that he couldn’t run properly. Consequently, the team management made the decision to withdraw him from the attack and entrusted the ball to Virat Kohli.

In the match, Bangladesh’s stand-in-captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, won the toss and chose to bat against India. Notably, Bangladesh’s star all-rounder and captain, Shakib Al Hasan, was unable to play due to a quad injury.

Shanto explained the situation, saying, “He (Shakib) is struggling a bit, and Nasum is coming in for him. We have some great memories against India, and hopefully, we can continue our good form. I hope it will be an exciting match.”

While India opted for an unchanged lineup, Bangladesh brought in Hasan Mahmud to replace Taskin Ahmed in their side.

This development has certainly added an unexpected twist to the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023, as fans eagerly await further updates on Hardik Pandya’s condition and the outcome of this crucial match between India and Bangladesh.

Playing XIs:

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Bangladesh: Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (w), Mahmudullah, Nasum Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam.