T20 World Cup 2021: Hardik Pandya's shoulder injury not serious, management to wait before taking final call

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya scared Team India and its fans when he injured his shoulder during Group 2's Super 12 clash of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 against arch-rival Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. A throw while taking a run struck him, as he could manage just 11 runs, with India losing the game by ten wickets.

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Following the game, Pandya was taken for scans. On Tuesday morning, as per a report by PTI, his injury does not appear to be severe and is a minor one. While he is likely to be available for selection for the upcoming game against New Zealand on Sunday, the medical team would wait and watch before deciding on his availability, as the six-day gap is likely to aid his recovery.

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Pandya has asserted that he would not bowl before the knockouts unless necessary. However, India's chances of making it to the semis considerably rely on the NZ tie. Being considered India's penultimate tie, losing the clash would seriously dent its chances of qualification, as it would need to win its remaining matches against Afghanistan, Namibia and Scotland. At the same time, the net run rate issue can come into effect, with Afghanistan and Pakistan considerably ahead.

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Furthermore, Pandya's bowling status remains uncertain, as he did not bowl in the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) as part of his workload management. There also seem to be conflicting reports regarding his fitness from management and selectors. Also, having not bowled for a long time could affect his bowling skills, although he keeps bowling at the nets.