ICC World Cup 2019: Hardik Pandya gets an injury scare ahead of the 2nd warm-up against Bangladesh

There is no doubt how important a player Hardik Pandya is in the Indian set-up for this World Cup. The all-rounder has rediscovered himself and evolved his game brilliantly in the last few months. He was terrific in IPL 2019 scoring 402 runs in 16 games. Moreover, he also picked up 14 wickets for the Mumbai Indians and adds great balance to any side. Even in the practice game against New Zealand, he seemed one of the most comfortable Indian batsmen out in the middle. However, even before the tournament has begun, he has given the team a major injury scare.

Walking in to bat at number five, he had played some fine strokes through the off-side. While Pandya is someone known for his brute hitting ability, it was great watching him caress the ball through the gaps. The 25-year-old is expected to take up the role of as finisher in the upcoming edition of the quadrennial tournament. Also, the management would want him to play a floater in the line-up.

Is Hardik Pandya fit to play against Bangladesh?

Team India, took a long bus journey from London to Cardiff and was on the field in the Sophia Gardens the very next day. The players were involved in a fun fielding session where they practised hitting the wickets from a fixed distance and backing up these throws as well. The likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Shikhar Dhawan and Yuzvendra Chahal had troubles hitting the stumps and thus had to undergo a prolonged session.

Then the focus shifted to the nets session. Virat Kohli, as usual, was the first to start. The recovering Kedar Jadhav and Vijay Shankar also spent valuable time in the nets. Former skipper MS Dhoni practised against the spinners and also borrowed Kohli’s bat as he finished his preparation. While it was all going well, Hardik was taking throwdowns from the specialists.

One of the deliveries rose sharply at a great pace. The batsman got into an awkward position and thus got hit on his left underarm. Hardik Pandya seemed to be in immense pain and immediately returned from the practice session. While he didn’t come back to play, he is reportedly fine. There isn’t enough clarity if he’d take the field later today against Bangladesh. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the management decides to rest him.