The Indian cricket team is reportedly set to be without Hardik Pandya in their next match against New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 22. The all-rounder suffered an ankle injury while he was trying to stop a ball off his own bowling. Pandya was treated on the field for a while before he limped off eventually with Virat Kohli completing his over. Later, it was revealed that he was taken for scans to determine the seriousness of his injury. India did not have his services in the second innings when Kohli and KL Rahul steered the side home to a seven-wicket win. Pandya has been a part of Rohit Sharma's bowling plans and has had considerable shifts with the ball so far, picking up five wickets. India at ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Get Indian Cricket Team’s Upcoming Matches Schedule, Results and Latest CWC Points Table Position on Team Standings.

According to a report in The Indian Express, Pandya will not be playing the India vs New Zealand match on October 22. The reports quoted a BCCI official, who revealed that the all-rounder will be taken to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for treatment. “He will be heading to Bengaluru where he has been asked to report to the NCA. The medical team assessed his ankle scan report and it looks like he will be fine by taking an injection. The BCCI consulted a specialist doctor in England and they too were of the similar opinion. He will be missing the next game," Indian Express quoted an official of the BCCI. ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Points Table Updated.

He may be fit in time to join the Indian squad prior to their match against reigning champions England in Lucknow on October 29. India have managed four wins in as many matches and is the only team in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 alongside New Zealand to remain undefeated so far. Should Pandya miss out, India may look at including Mohammed Shami in the match against New Zealand, which would be played in pace-friendly conditions in Dharamsala.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 20, 2023 12:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).