The Indian cricket team extended their victorious streak in the ICC World Cup 2023 by overpowering England with a resounding 100-run victory this past Sunday. Notably absent from the match once again was the versatile pace-bowling all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, who continues to recover from an ankle injury.

The looming question on the minds of fans is whether Hardik Pandya will make a comeback for the upcoming match against Sri Lanka on November 2 and be available for selection. The cricketer has been sidelined for the last two matches, including the clash with New Zealand, after sustaining an ankle injury during a bowling attempt against Bangladesh.

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A recent report by the Times of India indicates that the 30-year-old T20 captain is likely to rejoin the team in Mumbai, where the India vs. Sri Lanka match is scheduled to take place at the Wankhede Stadium on November 2. However, the report also underscores concerns about his match fitness.

A reliable source disclosed, “Yes, Hardik Pandya, presently in the process of recuperation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, will rejoin the team in Mumbai. At this juncture, it remains uncertain whether he will participate in the Sri Lanka match, but his inclusion in the team is planned.”

Hardik Pandya sustained his ankle injury during the match against Bangladesh on October 19 while bowling. In his absence, captain Rohit Sharma incorporated middle-order batsman Suryakumar Yadav and fast bowler Mohammed Shami to fill the void.

Shami has distinguished himself as a standout performer, amassing nine wickets in two games, while Suryakumar played a pivotal role by contributing 49 runs against England, creating a selection dilemma for the skipper as the ICC World Cup 2023 approaches its knockout stages. As for Hardik Pandya’s performance in the tournament, he has secured five wickets in four matches but has managed only 11 runs with the bat.

India currently leads the round-robin standings with a flawless record of six victories in as many games, all but securing their place in the semifinals with three matches remaining. Their next fixtures include South Africa on November 5 and the Netherlands on November 12.