IPL 2019: Hardik Pandya's participation in the tournament in doubt after his latest injury

India have been dealt with a huge blow ahead of the upcoming series against Australia as their star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is ruled out. His lower-back injury has once again troubled him and Ravindra Jadeja has replaced him in the ODI squad while the T20I squad has now trimmed to 14 members. Not only India but the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians will also suffer now it seems as Hardik’s participation in the tournament is in doubt.

According to the sources, a decision on Hardik Pandya’s participation in the IPL will be taken in the next three weeks. He will be in the National Cricket Academy from next week and will undergo training and conditioning program to recover from his stiff back and then the final call will be taken.

“Too early to speak about that (IPL participation) at present. He has a stiff back and it is not like he is carrying any injury. After the three weeks of training at the NCA, he will once again undergo a fitness test and the decision on his participation in the T20 league will be taken then,” the sources told Hindustan Times.

Pandya crucial for India and MI

Hardik Pandya’s staying fit is very important India keeping the World Cup in mind and it will be interesting to see the way his workload is managed during the IPL. While it will be crucial for the all-rounder to get some matches under his belt before the mega event in England, the BCCI will also have to take care that Hardik doesn’t aggravate his injury again.

The T20I series against Australia is set to commence on February 24 in Visakhapatnam while the second and final game will be played n Bengaluru. The five ODIs are scheduled to begin on March 3 which is also India’s last assignment before the World Cup.

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