There comes a major setback for the Indian team as their star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to miss the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. As per the reports, Hardik is not completely fit & will probably miss the Afghanistan series followed by IPL 2024. The update not only raised concerns over India’s Captaincy choice but also put a question mark on Hardik’s participation in the IPL 2024 season.
What happened to Hardik Pandya?
Hardik sustained an ankle injury during the ODI World Cup 2023 which resulted in Pandya pulling out of the tournament. The setback forced him to miss the T20I series against Australia followed by the white ball matches in South Africa. Initially, it was reported that Hardik would be fit until the Afghanistan series. But the latest reports confirm that he might not recover fully on time & is likely to miss the Afghanistan series.
T20I series against Afghanistan in Jeopardy
The three-match T20I series against Afghanistan slated to be played between January 11 & 17 is India’s final assignment before the World Cup in June. With Suryakumar Yadav being ruled out due to an ankle injury the team is now seriously in need of a captain who can lead the team in the crucial T20I series. The captaincy options are now restricted as both first-choice options Hardik & Suryakumar are ruled out of the series. The selectors now have very limited options on who can take up the Captaincy role.
Hardik’s Participation in IPL 2024 is under Doubt
The uncertainty around Hardik’s recovery extends beyond the Afghanistan series as there are speculations that Hardik might miss the IPL 2024. A bCCI speaking about Hardik’s Injury said that there is no update about his return to cricket & there is a big question mark on his availability in the IPL 2024.
Who will take Hardik’s Place in India Squad?
The absence of Hardik Pandya & Suryakumar Yadav leaves the Indian team with a crucial decision to make which is the captaincy of the Indian team. While Rohit Sharma is an obvious choice for leadership. The team can also go for Ravindra Jadeja who took up captaincy during the South Africa T20I series. The selectors will also face challenges as Ruturaj the leader of the Indian team during their Gold triumph in the Asian Games is sidelined due to a broken finger. So now they have two options for captaincy in the face of Rohit Sharma & Jadeja.
What will Mumbai Indians do in Pandya’s absence?
Hardik’s injury is an issue for Mumbai Indians as well who have recently announced him as the new Skipper of the team replacing Rohit Sharma. Hardik coming on the Captaincy ladder ends Rohit Sharma’s 10 years of leadership. But now in Hardik’s absence, Mumbai Indians again will have to think of a good leader. Whether they will ask Rohit to continue with the Captaincy or some new name will come for the responsibility is what time will say.
What do you think about this latest development? Who according to you can replace Hardik Pandya as Captain? Share with us your views
Also read, CSK IPL 2024 Squad: Chennai Super Kings Full Players List
