Hardik Pandya is likely to miss the Afghanistan series and the IPL 2024, which is a huge blow for Team India and the Mumbai Indians.

Hardik Pandya’s health is questionable beyond the Afghanistan series, with predictions that he may miss the full IPL 2024 season.

Hardik Pandya, the standout all-rounder for Team India and the Mumbai Indians, is unlikely to recuperate in time for the forthcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. This news, as reported by PTI, not only casts doubt on India’s captaincy pick for the series, but also casts doubt on Hardik’s participation in the IPL 2024 season. Hardik Pandya had an ankle injury during the ICC World Cup 2023, forcing him to withdraw from the competition.

Due to this setback, he was unable to participate in the T20I series against Australia and the subsequent white-ball matches in South Africa. Despite initial optimism over Hardik’s recuperation, subsequent indications indicate that he may not be ready for the important series against Afghanistan.

T20I Series at Risk Against Afghanistan

India will play Afghanistan in a three-match Twenty20 International series from January 11 to 17, which will be their final T20I assignment before the World Cup in June. Suryakumar Yadav was expected to miss the series after twisting his ankle while fielding against South Africa in a T20I game in Johannesburg. Suryakumar could take six weeks to heal from a possible tear. The absence of both Hardik and Suryakumar creates a difficult position for the selectors, who may need to rethink their captaincy options.

Participation in the IPL 2024 in Doubt

Hardik Pandya’s health is questionable beyond the Afghanistan series, with predictions that he may miss the full IPL 2024 season. “There is no update on Hardik’s return to cricket,” a BCCI source said on the condition of anonymity. His availability before the Indian Premier League is a major concern.”

Hardik was traded to the Mumbai Indians from the Gujarat Titans. Pandya was unexpectedly named Mumbai Indians (MI) captain prior to the latest mini-auction, thus ending Rohit’s 10 year old captaincy tenure, where he led five franchise titles. He is expected to succeed Rohit Sharma, who led the Blue and Gold Brigade to tremendous success in the sport over the years. However, it appears that diehard MI fans will have to wait another season to witness Hardik captain their favorite team.