T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli shares an update on Hardik Pandya’s fitness ahead of New Zealand clash


T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli shares an update on Hardik Pandya’s fitness ahead of New Zealand clash

Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya

Team India skipper Virat Kohli has provided the much-awaited update on all-rounder Hardik Pandya on the eve of the IND-NZ match in the ongoing 2021 T20 World Cup. 

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Hardik, who suffered a shoulder injury during the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. was later taken for MRI scans. Hence, youngster Ishan Kishan was seen as a substitute fielder as the former didn’t take the field during the second innings of the match.

Kohli addressed a presser ahead of the New Zealand clash where he stated that Pandya is “totally fine” now and ready to take the field in tomorrow’s game. 

“Hardik’s fine, If you’re talking about the blow on his shoulder (Which he suffered vs Pakistan), He is totally fine,” Virat Kohli confirmed during the pre-match press conference.

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As per some previous media reports, a BCCI official said that Hardik’s injury is not very serious and he will be seen in the game against New Zealand.

“Yes, Hardik’s scan reports have come and the injury is not very serious. Also, the fact that there is a six-day gap between the two games gives him enough time to recuperate. But obviously, the medical team would wait and watch as to how he shapes up during the training sessions,” a senior BCCI official told PTI.

“Shardul Thakur is definitely in our plans” – Kohli

Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur

The ‘Modern Master’ also shed light on whether Shardul Thakur can be a part of India’s playing XI in the ongoing tournament. Virat commented:

“He (Shardul) is a guy who is definitely in our plans, constantly making a case for himself. He is someone who can bring a lot of value to the team. What role he plays, or where, is something that I can’t talk about right now.”

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