Colossal blow for Team India & MI! Hardik Pandya may not recover in time for AFG series, IPL 2024

Team India came off a draw against South Africa after the first match was abandoned without a ball being bowled. While the Proteas were triumphant in the second match, the Indian Cricket Team pulled a rebound and won the third T20I match. India's next T20I series will be up against Afghanistan in a three-match series. However, trouble is already surrounding the team as some key players are dealing with an injury. There is some unfortunate update on the recovering Hardik Pandya as well.  

Three things you need to know

• India faced South Africa in a three-match T20I series
• Team India will face Afghanistan in the year 2024
• The Indian Cricket Team may have a skipper crisis

Also Read: 'Is Cricket Australia serious?': Mitchell Johnson slams Australian board for showing double standard

Colossal update emerges on Hardik Pandya's injury

Hardik Pandya sustained an injury at the ODI World Cup, and he is yet to return to action. The MI management has made him the team captain as he replaces Rohit Sharma, a five-time IPL title winner. Team India will also face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series. Pandya is yet to return from his ankle injury. However, a report from PTI suggests that there is a big question mark on Pandya's availability in the IND vs AFG series as well as the IPL 2024 season. 

"There is no update on Hardik's fitness status as of now and one can say there remains a big question mark of him being available before the end of IPL," a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav ruled out from IND-AFG T20I series following Grade II ankle tear - Reports

With Pandya questionable, Who will lead Team India against Afghanistan?

With Suryakumar Yadav out of action with an ankle injury and Hardik Pandya being doubtful, the selectors may have to turn to Rohit Sharma to lead the side. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the Asian Games captain, has injured his finger and will miss the series. They have the option of looking ahead and naming Ravindra Jadeja. However, the All-Rounder will play each of the five Tests against England and must cope with his fatigue.

It is a dilemma that the selectors have to figure out.