BCCI secretary Jay Shah reveals return date of injured Hardik Pandya

BCCI secretary Jay Shah opened up on Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s return.

Few players captured the essence of resilience and versatility as emphatically as Hardik Pandya. As the vital cog of Indian cricket team, Hardik Pandya’s journey has been marked by highs and the recent setback of an ankle injury during the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023.

In a crucial encounter against Bangladesh during the ODI World Cup 2023, Pandya’s ankle injury shadowed over India’s campaign. Initial reports hinted at a possible return for the knockout games, but the severity of the injury led to his exclusion. The absence of Hardik Pandya, the fast-bowling all-rounder and vice-captain, was not keenly felt until the finals.

Hardik Pandya suffered an injury during the ODI World Cup 2023

Having assumed the T20 captaincy since the T20 World Cup 2022 in the absence of Rohit Sharma, Pandya’s leadership was eagerly anticipated in the five-game T20I series against Australia. However, fans were surprised by his omission from the squad. As speculations regarding his return mounted, reports surfaced that Pandya would also miss the tour of South Africa, deepening concerns about the duration of his absence.

As Indian fans eagerly await Pandya’s return, recent reports offer a glimmer of hope. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah revealed that Pandya could be fit for the Afghanistan T20I series in January. “The tournament (Twenty20 World Cup) starts in June. There’s the IPL before that and the series against Afghanistan. We will take a good decision,” said BCCI secretary Jay Shah as quoted by PTI.

“He is being monitored on a day-to-day basis. He’s at the NCA. He’s working hard. We will let you know in due course. He can be fit even before the Afghanistan series,” he added

The series, scheduled from January 11 to January 17, aligns with Afghanistan Cricket Board’s confirmation of the national team’s tour to India. The possibility of Pandya’s return injects optimism into the minds of fans, especially with the T20 World Cup 2024 on the horizon.

The upcoming Afghanistan T20I series in January 2024 holds significant implications for both teams. As fans anticipate the return of Hardik Pandya, his potential inclusion in the series could mark a triumphant comeback. The three-match T20I series promises intense competition, providing Pandya with the perfect platform to showcase his form and fitness.

In an official statement from the Afghanistan Cricket Board, the tour details were outlined, confirming the three T20I matches on the 11th, 14th, and 17th of January. This will be India’s last T20 series ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.

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