WC 2023: 2023: Hardik Pandya's injury recovery process positive, we will see him back soon, says Rohit Sharma

Captain Rohit Sharma said it's not possible to put a date on Hardik Pandya's return but revealed that the all-rounder's recovery process at the National Cricket Academy was 'very positive'. Hardik Pandya missed India's last two matches in World Cup 2023 due to an ankle injury he picked up against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19.

Hardik Pandya was initially ruled out of India's game against New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22 as he left for the NCA in Bengaluru. Hardik was expected to join the team ahead of their big-ticket game against England in Lucknow but his stay at the NCA extended. As it turned out, it emerged that Hardik suffered a minor tear in his ankle and needed more time to return to action.

Speaking to the press on the eve of India's World Cup match against Sri Lanka in Mumbai, Rohit Sharma revealed that the team management is assessing Hardik Pandya's injury on a daily basis, saying the nature of injury demands more time.

"It's been very positive, I can't call it rehab. But whatever he has gone through, the procedures at the NCA, it's been quite positive," Rohit said confirming that Hardik won't be available for selection against Sri Lanka on November



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"But it's that kind of an injury where we have to see every day how much he has recovered and how many percent fit he is. We have to constantly monitor how much he is bowling and how much he is batting. On a day-to-day basis, we have to take that call because, in the World Cup, there is a match every 3-4 days. We are looking into that as well. With the way his recovery is progressing, we will hopefully see him on the field soon. That's all I can say now," he added.

Hardik is unlikely to take the field for their next game against South Africa in Kolkata on November 5 and is likely to return before India play the Netherlands in Bengaluru on November 11, according to PTI news agency.

Hardik Pandya played a key role in India's first three matches, including the big win against Pakistan in Ahmedabad as he offered the captain the room to play an extra batter or a bowler.

India have played Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami in the XI ever since Hardik Pandya became unavailable while they also dropped Shardul Thakur from the XI.

India are on top of the points table with 6 wins in as many matches and will be assured of a spot in the semi-finals as early as Thursday if they beat Sri Lanka.