Mumbai: The Indian cricket team faces a massive setback ahead of their upcoming tour of England, with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya officially ruled out of the entire series due to an injury. Sources confirmed the development, noting that the multi-format tour is scheduled to commence on July 1 with the first of five Twenty20 Internationals, followed by a three-match One-Day International series concluding in late July.
Adding to India’s selection dilemmas, premier batter Virat Kohli remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury sustained during the recently concluded Indian Premier League final. While Kohli is expected to undergo a crucial fitness assessment on June 26 to determine his availability, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has already announced the Twenty20 International squad, with the One-Day International roster set to be unveiled shortly.
Medical reports indicate that Pandya suffered a severe leg strain, an ailment that follows a string of back spasms which previously forced him to miss four out of fourteen league matches for the Mumbai Indians during the domestic season. The injury caps off a challenging period for the all-rounder, who endured a difficult domestic campaign marked by dip in form across batting, bowling, and leadership duties.
The current setback marks a continuous struggle for the cricketer, who was also excluded from the ongoing three-match One-Day International series against Afghanistan. Although previously cleared by the Center of Excellence, sources revealed that the athlete experienced recurring physical discomfort immediately following his final training session prior to departure, forcing team management to prioritize long-term recovery over immediate selection.
