By Zainab Shafiq 
In a major setback for Team India and the Mumbai Indians, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is facing the possibility of missing both the upcoming Afghanistan T20I series and the IPL 2024 due to an injury. The cricketer, who was traded to Mumbai Indians for a substantial amount, reportedly with the condition of being made captain in place of Rohit Sharma, may now be sidelined.
Hardik Pandya had a successful stint with the Gujarat Titans in the last two IPL seasons before being traded back to the Mumbai Indians, the franchise where he began his IPL career in 2015. However, his return to the Mumbai Indians is now overshadowed by an injury sustained during a game against Bangladesh in the World Cup 2023. While attempting to stop a boundary, Pandya twisted his left ankle, adding to his history of injuries.
Before joining the Gujarat Titans, Pandya faced fitness concerns, as he didn’t regularly bowl for Mumbai Indians. The all-rounder’s injury woes have raised concerns about his availability not only for the upcoming Afghanistan T20I series but also for the entirety of IPL 2024.
The Afghanistan vs India three-match T20I series is scheduled to commence on January 11. However, uncertainty looms over Hardik Pandya’s participation as a BCCI source stated,
“There is no update on Hardik’s fitness status as of now, and one can say there remains a big question mark on him being available before the end of IPL.”
This injury adds further complexity to Mumbai Indians’ plans, especially considering the hefty trade and the anticipated role of Pandya as the team’s captain. Cricket enthusiasts now eagerly await further updates on the all-rounder’s recovery and his potential return to the field.
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