ODI World Cup: Latest update on Hardik Pandya is not something any Indian cricket fans wants to hear

Team India have been on a roll in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 in India where they are still unbeaten in the tournament after playing 6 matches. India have defeated all the teams who have come in their way convincingly and look to maintain that form when they face Sri Lanka on Thursday. But a piece of information is going to unsettle the Indian cricket fans despite Rohit Sharma and Co's impressive form.

3 things you need to know

• Team India have won six out of six matches in the ODI World Cup 2023
• Hardik Pandya suffered an injury against Bangladesh
• Hardik has not played a game since that injury

ALSO READ | No fireworks display in Delhi, Mumbai during World Cup matches due to worsening air pollution

ODI World Cup: Hardik Pandya is out till Nov 12

Hardik Pandya suffered a serious injury to his left ankle while playing for Team India against Bangladesh on October 19. He was taken off the field by the medical staff and subsequent scans revealed that he cannot be risked in the next few matches. But India is taking no chance on him as he is one of the most crucial players in the side. It has now emerged that he is unlikely to return before the team's World Cup match against the Netherlands on November 12.

He missed the games against New Zealand and England and is also set to miss the fixtures against Sri Lanka on Thursday and South Africa on November 5.

India's final league match is against the Netherlands in Bengaluru on November 12.

"It is a minor tear. He is recovering well and is likely to return for the last league game. There is also a possibility that he straight away plays the semifinal," said a BCCI source told PTI.

With six wins in as many games, India are set to qualify for the semifinals.

ALSO READ | 'Get some time away': Unexpected piece of advice from former ENG captain to skipper Rohit Sharma

India vs Sri Lanka: Who will replace Hardik Pandya?

To compensate for Pandya's all-round abilities, the team was forced to make two changes to the playing eleven. In his absence, the management is playing with five bowlers with Suryakumar Yadav batting at six in his place.

With Mohammad Shami in sizzling form, the management has not missed Pandya the bowler but he remains critical to the team's balance. After win over England, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey had expressed confidence over Pandya's imminent return. Pandya was recovering at National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

"The medical team is looking at that and are very much in touch with Hardik and the NCA (National Cricket Academy) as well. We're hoping to get an update in a couple of days," Mhambrey had said on Sunday.

As per a BCCI media release, Pandya was supposed to join the team in Lucknow ahead of the England game but he was not with the squad. 

(with PTI inputs)