Hardik Pandya likely to miss Australia T20Is; Surykumar Yadav, Ruturaj Gaikwad in fray to lead

Hardik Pandya World Cup 2023. (Photo Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

After the end of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, India are all set to take on Australia in a series of five T20I matches. The series will begin on November 23 in Vizag, with the following games to be played in Thiruvananthapuram (November 26), Guwahati (November 28), Nagpur (December 1), and Hyderabad (December 3).

After the conclusion of the prestigious tournament, India will be shifting their focus to the shortest format, and it has been reported that ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be missing the five-match affair against the Aussies. Pandya has been out of contention for selection after he injured his ankle and tore the ligament in his left ankle.

Several reports have come forth where it has been stated that Hardik Pandya will require more time to recover from his injury. Furthermore, it has been reported that the squad for the five-match T20I series will be announced after India’s World Cup semi-final.

“There is some time before Hardik can be declared fit and available for selection. It would be more practical for him to try and complete his rehabilitation with a possible ‘RTP’ (return to play) during SA series. It will certainly be NCA Sports science team’s call,” a source from the BCCI was quoted saying by News18.

Surykumar Yadav or Ruturaj Gaikwad to replace Hardik Pandya against Australia

The report further stated that either of the star batters, Suryakumar Yadav or Ruturaj Gaikwad, will come in as Pandya’s replacement in the five-match series against Australia. If fitness permits, Suryakumar could come in as the replacement, with Ruturaj Gaikwad being the next best choice.

Currently, the Indian team is competing in the ODI World Cup 2023. Having played eight games in the tournament, the Men in Blue are unbeaten in the tournament, winning every single game that they have played in the tournament.

Becoming the first team to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament, the Indian team will look to put in a similar performance in the semi-finals and hopefully go all the way as well.