Flamboyant India all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s shoulder injury sustained during the T20 World Cup opener against Pakistan is believed to be a minor one and he is likely to be available for the next game against New Zealand on October 31.
Pandya, who did not bowl in the IPL last month, is playing only as a batter right now and scored 11 off 8 balls on Sunday night, looking distinctly uncomfortable against pacers before being hit on the shoulder by a short ball.
“Yes, Hardik’s scan reports have come and the injury is not very serious. Also, the fact that there is a six-day gap between two games gives him enough time to recuperate,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
“But obviously, the medical team would wait and watch as to how he shapes up during the training sessions,” he added.
Pandya had recently said that he would be bowling during the knock-out stages but India’s chances hinge on the New Zealand game. Losing the match would seriously jeopardise their prospects of going ahead in the tournament.
The games against Scotland, Namibia and Afghanistan are expected to be easy wins for India, Pakistan and New Zealand.
