Hardik Pandya Ruled Out of ODI Series in Australia
Hardik Pandya ruled out of India’s ODI series in Australia with a quad injury, could return for T20Is if fit.
India will miss the services of Hardik Pandya in the upcoming ODI series against Australia, starting October 19.
The all-rounder is recovering from a left quadriceps injury he picked up during the Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka. He missed the final against Pakistan as well.
According to a report in Dainik Jagran, Hardik is unlikely to feature in the three ODIs but could return for the T20Is later in the tour if he regains full fitness. The BCCI medical team is set to share an update on his condition soon.
During the Asia Cup final, former India coach Ravi Shastri confirmed on commentary that Hardik had injured his left quad, which kept him out of the title clash. His absence against Australia is a big blow as it unsettles the team’s balance in the middle order and bowling attack.
India’s schedule in Australia
The ODI series will be played between October 19 and 25 in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are likely to return to international cricket after seven months, making the series even more anticipated for fans.
After the ODIs, India will take on Australia in a five-match T20I series starting October 29. Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast and Brisbane will host the matches, with the tour ending on November 8.
The Indian squad for both ODIs and T20Is is expected to be announced soon, with less than three weeks left for the first match.
