ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Hardik Pandya suffered finger injury before IND vs AUS, Fit now

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya got injured during batting practice on Thursday at Chepauk.

Team India will be opening their ICC Cricket World Cup campaign against Australia at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. India will be looking to start on a high note in the mega event. Being hosts, they have huge expectations on their shoulders and have to keep a close eye on players' injury scares as well. In the past two days, Team India have suffered two fitness scares in their 15-member squad. First, it was Shubman Gill, and then the news of Hardik Pandya also brought tension among the Indian fans.

Hardik Pandya injured his finger

According to a few news reports, all-rounder Hardik Pandya suffered a finger injury while doing batting practice on Thursday at Chepauk. At first, Pandya’s participation looked uncertain in the upcoming India Vs Australia encounter, but in two days he has recovered and is considered ready for the game against the mighty Aussies. Hardik Pandya’s role is the most crucial one to strike the right balance in Indian playing XI. Pandya’s role as an all-rounder provides India with great stability in the pace bowling line-up.

Hardik Pandya’s selection will allow India to keep their Asia Cup combination intact, as Pandya will be bowling 7-8 overs and also take up the responsibility of India’s lower middle-order. Pandya’s absence would have created more trouble for team India, as they would have gone either a batter short or a bowler less in the playing XI against Australia. Pandya had a terrific Asia Cup tournament.

Shubman Gill still uncertain

All-rounder Hardik Pandya might be fit for the game, but Indian team management still looks uncertain about opener Shubman Gill. India head coach Rahul Dravid did have a positive mindset while talking about Gill at Friday's press-conference, but Shubman Gill’s participation is still in doubt. Gill has been suffering from a viral fever since he landed in Chennai after the warm-up round. A few media sections also reported that Gill tested positive for dengue.

Coach Rahul Dravid informed the press that the medical team is closely monitoring Gill, and he has not been ruled out of the opening encounter against Australia. In the case of Gill missing out, Ishan Kishan will be given the role of an opener. Kishan will come out as an opener along with captain Rohit Sharma, while KL Rahul continues to bat at number five and also keep the wickets for team India. Shreyas Iyer will be batting at number 4 in the middle-order.