Hardik Pandya has returned to the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The India all-rounder has been on the sidelines since October when he injured his ankle during India vs Bangladesh match in the ODI World Cup. His injury absence only extended it was later found that Hardik had torn the ligament. While he did not require surgery, he could not return to cricket. However, ahead of IPL 2024 return for Mumbai Indians, he is playing match simulations in Alur, near Bengaluru.
As per an ESPNCricinfo report, Hardik Pandya played a 20-over practice match at the Alur stadium near Bengaluru. NCA physios and trainers supervised the practice match. Hardik Pandya will play another match on Thursday. He is all set to continue those match simulation drills until early March ahead of IPL 2024 return.
Hardik was been Baroda last week completing his rehabilitation at the Kiran More Academy. He had been practicising match simulations there too.
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Hardik Pandya available in IPL?
While he seemed a doubtful starter for IPL 2024, Hardik Pandya is all set to be available from the beginning. With T20 World Cup 2024 in sight, there were talks about whether the BCCI medical team would give him clearance if he is not 100% fit. However, Hardik is likely to be 100% fit by early March.
He will join Mumbai Indians camp in Mumbai in the 1st week March. Hardik replaced Rohit Sharma as the MI skipper after making a sensational switch to his first franchise after leading Gujarat Titans to IPL title.
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