Aoba Tanaka 
India's Hardik Pandya looks on before the start of the fourth Twenty20 international cricket match between India and South Africa at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on June 17, 2022. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP) / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE
In a setback for both Team India and Mumbai Indians, all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s ongoing ankle injury might sideline him not only from the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan but also cast doubt on his participation in the IPL 2024 season. This leaves selectors grappling with captaincy choices for the crucial home contest against Afghanistan and raises concerns for Mumbai Indians, who recently named Hardik as their captain for the IPL 2024 season.
Hardik Pandya sustained an ankle injury during the 2023 World Cup, leading to his withdrawal from subsequent matches, including the white-ball series against Australia and the South Africa campaign in December. A recent report from PTI suggests that Hardik’s recovery is unlikely before the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in January. There are concerns that he might also miss the IPL 2024 season.
The three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, scheduled between January 11 and 17, serves as India’s final T20I assignment before the World Cup in June. Suryakumar Yadav, who was expected to replace Hardik, might also miss the series due to an ankle injury sustained during the South Africa T20I game, with a potential six-week recovery period.
The absence of both Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav poses a captaincy dilemma for Team India ahead of the Afghanistan series. Rohit Sharma may be considered, but his return is uncertain, potentially paving the way for Ravindra Jadeja, who served as vice-captain during the South Africa T20I series. However, with Jadeja set to play all five Tests against England, concerns about workload management arise, creating a selection challenge for the team management.
Additionally, Ruturaj Gaikwad, a potential captaincy choice, is ruled out due to a finger injury, further complicating the selection process.
The fitness concerns surrounding Hardik Pandya are a significant blow to Mumbai Indians, who recently announced him as their captain for the IPL 2024 season. This development marks the end of Rohit Sharma’s decade-long tenure as the captain, during which the franchise clinched five IPL titles. Hardik’s potential absence from the IPL 2024 season adds a layer of uncertainty to Mumbai Indians’ strategy, as they look to navigate the challenges of team leadership.
As Hardik Pandya’s fitness remains in question, the ramifications extend beyond the immediate T20I series against Afghanistan, impacting both Team India’s captaincy decisions and Mumbai Indians’ preparations for the upcoming IPL season. The selectors face a delicate balancing act as they navigate the dual challenges of short-term team leadership and long-term player fitness.
