T20 World Cup 2021: Injury scare for India, Hardik Pandya undergoes scans after being hit on shoulder

Hardik was hit on the right shoulder by a free-hit bouncer from Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 19th over.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India took to Twitter on Sunday night to inform that the all-rounder Hardik Pandya was undergoing scans after injuring his shoulder in the match against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. Hardik was hit on the right shoulder while batting. Ishan Kishan stepped onto the ground as a substitute fielder.

Hardik's scored 11 runs during his eight-ball stay at the crease. He was hit on the right shoulder by a free-hit bouncer from Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 19th over. The injury could not have come at a time any worse for India, which went on to be handed an embarrassing 10-wicket loss by Pakistan.

Before the match started, Hardik had said that he would want to roll his arms in the later stage of the T20 World Cup. Hardik has not been bowling ever since he recuperated from back surgery in the United Kingdom in October 2019. 

Giving an update about his health, the all-rounder admitted that his back was jittery at one point in time but is fine now. However, he was quick to add that he would not be bowling at the moment. Hardik said that he would decide on when he could get back to bowling after consultations with the professionals. The remarks assume significance as Hardik's position in the World Cup squad had been under scanner considering he was not really playing the all-rounder's role. 

Captain Virat Kohli, though, threw his weight behind Hardik, asserting that he had an important role to play as a finisher. The Indian captain was also confident that Hardik seemed fit enough to bowl a couple of overs. The loss against Pakistan may force the Indian team management to rethink their strategy. India will next take on New Zealand on October 31.