Hardik Pandya likely to make comeback in Afghanistan series: Reports

The star India all-rounder, Hardik Pandya was initially reported to be potentially absent for the upcoming Afghanistan series and IPL 2024. But now as of the latest news, he is expected to recover for Afghanistan T20Is. It is also believed that he might be leading the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise in the upcoming season.

The star all-rounder who had earlier suffered an ankle injury during the ODI World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh, has been sidelined and is working towards regaining fitness. Multiple reports, initially suggested that he would need months of rehabilitation, but sources have confirmed his fitness.

A reliable source close to the situation stated to Time of India that he has fully recovered from his ankle injury and has been training every day. The source added that Hardik should be fit for the IPL and possibly the Afghanistan T20Is. The star India all-rounder was traded to Mumbai Indians before the IPL 2024 mini-auction. Later on, he was appointed as the captain and replaced Rohit Sharma.

“Hardik is fit and fine. In fact, he has been working out daily. All the talk about him going on to miss the IPL is just rumor. There are still almost four months left for IPL 2024, so anything, at this moment, is just speculation,” the source further quoted.

Suryakumar Yadav is likely to miss Afghanistan series

Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav sustained an ankle injury in the recent T20I series against South Africa. The 31-year-old twisted his ankle while fielding in Johannesburg. There is a speculation of a possible tear, which may require six weeks to heal. Consequently, the dynamic batter is expected to be unavailable for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.

The three-match T20I series against Afghanistan is scheduled from January 11 to 17. It also serves as the final assignment for the Men in Blue before the 2024 T20 World Cup in June. This series holds significance as it provides a platform for team preparations ahead of the marquee tournament.