Cricketing fraternity worried as Hardik Pandya walks off after injuring ankle in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Hardik Pandya walked off the field without completing his first over.

Team India had a massive injury scare against Bangladesh at MCA Stadium in Pune. All-rounder Hardik Pandya had to walk back with an injury in the first powerplay. Pandya suffered an injury on his left ankle and had to walk back without completing his first over in the game. Pandya bowled just three balls and twisted his ankle during the follow-through of his third delivery. Virat Kohli came in to finish the remaining over. 

Indian fans on social media are concerned about Hardik Pandya’s injury and they are hoping that all-rounder recovers quickly and gets back into play. Pandya’s injury will cause a major shift in India’s strategy. His absence will leave India with 5 bowlers in the playing XO. Earlier Pandya used to cover a bad day of anyone among the 5 main bowlers. Team India does not want to lose their key players during a big event like the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. 

Here's how cricketing fraternity and fans reacted to Hardik Pandya's injury:

Pandya twisted his ankle

Hardik Pandya twisted his ankle during the follow-through of his third delivery and complained about severe pain on his left ankle. Pandya was unable to walk and quickly called for a medical assessment. After getting treatment he stood up to have a go at the batters once again. But the damage was already done and Pandya was unable to walk and limped out of the field. Support staff came in to assist him while he was walking back to the dugout. 

Commentator Nasser Hossain informed between the game that Hardik Pandya will not be taking field against Bangladesh, Pandya might come in to bat only after 5 wickets or India had batted for about 120 minutes against Bangladesh. He also said that Pandya has suffered an internal injury. The BCCI has updated that the all-rounder has been taken for scans.

Bangladesh have got off to a good start after winning the toss. Bangladesh completed 100 runs in just 18 overs. They have lost only one wicket of young left-hander Tanzid Hasan. Tanzid Hasan (51) played aggressive cricket to put India on the back foot. He added 93 runs for the first wicket along with Litton Das. Kuldeep Yadav got India their first breakthrough when he trapped Tanzid Plumb in front in the 15th over.