Hardik Pandya to miss New Zealand A ODIs: The Indian all-rounder is highly unlikely of regaining fitness for the New Zealand tour.
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India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the New Zealand A ODIs, which are scheduled to start from December 7. Had Pandya regained fitness, the three-match (December 7, 9 and 11) series would have been the perfect platform for him to make a comeback.
The 25-year old all-rounder had injured his hamstring during the Asia Cup in September. Coming on the back of a gruelling England tour, Pandya had become a victim of improper management of workload back then.
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Pandya had started both bowling and batting after a two-month gap around a week ago. At that time, Pandya had made it a point to make a comeback into the national team for the ODI leg of India’s tour of Australia.
Following his last visit to the NCA (National Cricket Academy), the BCCI medical team feels that he still needs a week or so to attain full match-fitness and subsequently got advised against travelling down under just yet.
When the Indian squads for the Australia and New Zealand tours were announced, chief selector MSK Prasad was hopeful of sending Pandya to New Zealand for the ODIs. In which isn’t to happen now, the selectors and team management would be looking for Pandya to make a comeback in the Australia series next year.
Post Pandya’s injury, India have played all their cricket in the sub-continent. Hence, the need for a fast bowling all-rounder didn’t come by. However, Pandya was missed right from the first T20I in Australia. A vital contender for India’s World Cup squad, Pandya will provide the much needed balance in both India’s batting and bowling line-ups.
Read some of the latest Twitter reaction on Pandya below:
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