Hardik Pandya Opens Up About World Cup Injury Ahead of His Return

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Hardik Pandya Reveals World Cup Injury Secrets Before Comeback

Hardik Pandya Opens Up About World Cup Injury Ahead of His Return

Indian cricket all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, has opened up about the ankle injury he sustained during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup last year, admitting that his attempts to return during the knockout stages exacerbated the injury.

The injury occurred while Pandya was bowling in India’s World Cup match against Bangladesh in Pune. His attempts to make a comeback during the semi-final and final stages of the tournament, which was ultimately won by Australia, led to further complications.

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Pandya, 30, admitted that under normal circumstances, he would have allowed the injury to heal naturally. However, he felt the risk was worth it given the rarity of a 50-over World Cup event.

“From day one, my injury indicated that I would be out of the World Cup. But playing for India, especially in a World Cup, has always been special. We pushed for 10 days, knowing it was an uphill task to be fit for the World Cup semi-finals or finals,” Pandya shared. “This push, however, triggered my injury further, prolonging my recovery.”

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Now fit, Pandya is eyeing his return during the upcoming Indian Premier League, ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean in June.

Having played a key role in leading India to the semi-finals of the most recent T20 World Cup in Australia, Pandya is expected to be a crucial part of the team’s quest for a second title.

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Speaking to local media in Mumbai on Monday, Pandya dismissed any ongoing fitness concerns, stating that he feels good and plans to play as both a batter and bowler when captaining the Mumbai Indians in the IPL tournament commencing later this month.

“Yes, I will be bowling,” confirmed Hardik. “My World Cup injury was a freak incident. It had nothing to do with my past injuries or my fitness. I’ve been fit since the Afghanistan T20I series started in January, but there were no games to play.”