A three-match ODI series between India and the West Indies began on Sunday, September 27. The first match of the series is being played at the Greenfield International Cricket Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. However, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was unavailable for selection for this series due to injury.
Currently, he is undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE). He had recently been selected for the India A squad for the home white-ball series against Australia A, but reports now indicate that he has been ruled out of that series as well due to a fresh injury.
Meanwhile, former T20 World Cup champion and veteran all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed deep concern regarding Hardik Pandya’s injury. He remarked that the all-rounder is getting injured without even playing, which is a cause for concern from the Indian team’s perspective.
Irfan Pathan’s major statement regarding Hardik Pandya
Speaking on Star Sports about Pandya, Irfan said, “It is unfortunate for any player that Hardik is getting injured without even playing. You play, get injured, and then suffer another injury during rehab. He has been ruled out of the India A series as well, and this will not boost the confidence of the management and selectors. Getting injured due to continuous play and increased workload is one thing…”
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Irfan added, “It is essential for the management to have two all-rounders ready whenever the opportunity arises. That is why you will see Nitish being backed. Now, the responsibility lies with him to perform well and stay fit. We have seen his graph trending upwards; his pace has increased, and he has worked on his bowling. His work ethic is excellent, and I have been following his progress.”
