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Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya might be ruled out of the upcoming T20 series against Afghanistan, as he continues to grapple with an ankle injury sustained in October. The injury has kept him away from international cricket, and he couldn't participate in the T20 series against Australia or the T20 and ODI series during the South Africa tour.
While Hardik Pandya is anticipated to regain fitness ahead of IPL 2024, he is likely to miss the three-match T20 series against Afghanistan. The series is crucial as it serves as the last T20 series for the Indian team before the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled in June.
Sidelined since October due to an ankle injury suffered during a league-stage match against Bangladesh, Pandya has been absent from the international cricket scene. His last appearance was in the league stage of the tournament, where he played four matches and took five wickets.
The absence of Pandya has prompted other players to take leadership roles. In the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav led the team in all T20 matches, while KL Rahul took charge in ODIs. However, the prospect of witnessing how Hardik Pandya performs for Mumbai in the upcoming IPL season remains intriguing.
Recently appointed as the captain for Mumbai Indians, Pandya will shoulder significant responsibilities. Having made his IPL debut in 2015 under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, Pandya has played a vital role for both Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans in the past. His return to the field is eagerly anticipated, and all eyes will be on how he leads the Mumbai Indians in the forthcoming season.
Hardik Pandya's cricketing journey has been illustrious, marked by numerous achievements and trophy wins in the IPL. Despite the challenges posed by injuries, Pandya has been a key player for various franchises, contributing with both bat and ball. His leadership for Mumbai Indians adds another layer to his evolving cricketing legacy.
It remains to be seen how Pandya fares in the upcoming IPL season, setting the stage for his potential return to international cricket and his role in India's campaign in the T20 World Cup.
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