Hardik Pandya is preparing for a quick comeback to play following a period of time off due to an ankle injury suffered during the 2023 ODI World Cup. There were a lot of rumors circulating regarding a prolonged absence, which would affect his participation in the next Twenty20 International Series against Afghanistan or perhaps keep him out of the upcoming IPL 2024. ToI has learned, however, from a source that Pandya has recovered well and is ready to captain the Indian side in the forthcoming Twenty20 International Series against Afghanistan, which begins on January 11.
This news is reassuring for both fans and teams, especially the Mumbai Indians, who recently named Pandya their captain following an unexpected deal with the Gujarat Titans. The ankle injury that Pandya suffered during the match against Bangladesh first raised questions about his immediate future in cricket, but he recovered quickly, indicating that he will continue to play a significant role in the game going forward.
“He’s fully healed from his ankle injury. He has been practicing every day; therefore, the sources, who were cited by TOI, stated that he should be fit for the IPL and maybe the Afghanistan T20Is.
Jay Shah teases a return for Hardik Pandya
The BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, made a suggestion about the dynamic all-rounder’s possible return during the Women’s Premier League auction on December 9. The all-rounder is playing in a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan at home. When Shah spoke with the media, he hinted at Pandya’s potential return to the international game of cricket, which excited supporters about his impending return to action.
“Pandya’s fitness is something we are keeping an eye on every day. His only location is the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He is working extremely hard, and we will notify you as soon as he is fit. “He might be well in time for the Afghanistan series as well,” Shah had stated.
Unfortunately, the upcoming three-match Twenty20 International series against Afghanistan, which starts on January 11, will not include Suryakumar Yadav. Due to an ankle injury sustained during the final Twenty20 International in South Africa, the gifted batsman will not be available for the forthcoming series, which will create a vacuum in India’s batting order.