Hardik Pandya reacts after India's win over Bangladesh in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match in Pune

Hardik Pandya didn't return to the field after injuring his ankle in the 9th over of Bangladesh innings.

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya reacted after the Men in Blue defeated Bangladesh on October 19, 2023, in the 17th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 tournament. This match was played at the MCA Stadium in Pune.

Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first. Najmul Hossain Shanto led the Bangladesh side in place of the injured Shakib Al Hasan. Tanzid Hasan (51) and Litton Das (66) put up 93 runs for the first wicket to get their team off to a fantastic start.

But India fought back to choke the run flow. Mushfiqur Rahim scored 38 runs and along with Mahmudullah (46), pushed the Bangladesh final total of 256/8 in 50 overs. Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah each grabbed two wickets for India. 

In reply, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India a flying start adding 88 runs in no time. Rohit went after the bowlers, scoring 48 in 40 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes. Gill made his maiden World Cup fifty, scoring 53 with 5 fours and 2 sixes.

After their dismissals, Virat Kohli shouldered the chase and scored 103* with 6 fours and 4 sixes and finished the game as well with a six in the 42nd over. India won the match by 7 wickets and 51 balls remaining.

“Will be back stronger than ever”- Hardik Pandya

During the Bangladeshi innings, India received a huge scare as Hardik Pandya, the no.1 all-rounder in the team suffered an ankle injury. The incident happened in the 9th over which was bowled by Pandya. In an effort to stop a straight drive, Pandya lost his balance and twisted his left ankle.

He tried to stand up and jog after receiving treatment from the physio, but the pain was too much for him to even walk. He hobbled off the park and went to hospital for scans. He didn’t participate in the rest of the match and wasn’t needed to bat.

Rohit Sharma said after the match: “He (Hardik) pulled up a bit sore, nothing really major to worry. We'll see how he pulls up tomorrow morning and then plan on how to go forward.” As earlier reported by Khel Now.

Hardik Pandya himself posted a reaction message on X lauding the Indian team for the win.

He posted: “Got the win. Will be back stronger than ever”

India will next play New Zealand next on October 22 in Dharamshala and then face off against England in Lucknow on October 29.