19 October,2023 03:34 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Hardik Pandya (Pic: AFP)
'Fired up' Men in Blue have been dealt a massive blow to its ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 campaign during group stage match against Bangladesh on Thursday when star all-rounder Hardik Pandya left the field after twisting his ankle while bowling his first over.
The incident took place during the third delivery of the ninth over when Pandya attempted to stop a straight drive from Bangladesh opener Litton Das with his right foot on his followthrough. However, Pandya twisted his ankle as the ball passed under him, leading the all-rounder to stumble and fall to the ground.
Pandya felt discomfort from the moment he stood up and after getting his right ankle strapped which resulted in a long delay, he got up but hobbled towards his bowling mark.
It was at this moment that Pandya walked off the field as Suryakumar Yadav came in as the substitute fielder.
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But much to the cheer of the crowd, Virat Kohli rolled his arm over to complete the over, giving away just two runs.
Meanwhile, fellow left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed took Shakib's place in the team, with Hasun Mahmud replacing dropped paceman Taskin Ahmed. Najmul called correctly and opted to bat on a surface expected to favour run-scoring. India, bidding for a fourth successive win at the World Cup, were unchanged. Electing to bat, Bangladesh recovered strongly from a timid start and were on charge to reach 63 for no loss after 10 overs.
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Bangladesh have lost their last two matches after starting the ICC World Cup 2023 with a six-wicket win over Afghanistan.
Speaking at the toss, India captain Rohit Sharma seemed to have qualms about losing the toss, saying, "I would have bowled first. It's (the preferred Indian playing eleven) working at this point of time, don't see any reason to change it. That's important in this WC, keeping everybody in a good space. The boys are in good shape, have good mental space as well and are enjoying the cricket. So far so good, we want to continue this momentum."
(With agency inputs)
