Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Rohit Sharma has provided an update on the fitness of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya ahead of his side’s clash against Sri Lanka at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Pandya hurt his ankle during India’s group match against Bangladesh last month and has been sitting on the sidelines ever since as the tournament hosts have continued their unbeaten start to the World Cup.
Rohit was quizzed about the potential return of Pandya to full fitness ahead of India’s match against Sri Lanka in Mumbai on Thursday and the experienced skipper suggested the all-rounder will remain on the outer for the time being.
“Right now, he is not available for tomorrow’s match,” Rohit said.
“It is an injury that we have to see every day how much percent he has improved, how much recovery has been made, how much bowling has been done, how much batting has been done. So, on a day-to-day basis, we would like to take a call.”
India’s next match after the clash with Sri Lanka comes against South Africa in Kolkata on Sunday and Rohit remained tight-lipped whether that could potentially be the game that Pandya returns for.
“The matches (at the World Cup) are taking place every three or four days and we are watching the situation daily,” the India captain said.
“It is possible, as he is progressing, it’s possible and hopefully we’ll get a chance to see him as soon as possible. That’s all I can say for now.”
Pacer Mohammed Shami has shone in the absence of Pandya with nine wickets from India’s last two matches, but Rohit would not be drawn on whether the right-armer would retain his place in the side when the all-rounder returns.
Rohit instead suggested all combinations remain a possibility for his side as India chase a third World Cup crown and second on home soil.
“All sorts of combination is possible,” Rohit noted.
“In this World Cup, you’ve seen spinners actually are the ones who are stopping that run flow in the middle overs, so I am keeping my options open whether we have Hardik or not at this point in time to play three spinners or not.
“If the situation demands for us to play three spinners, we will play three spinners.
“We’ll see whatever is necessary to make the right combination, right play. We will do that.”
