On Saturday, India suffered a major setback as their star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand as he failed to make a full recovery from his injury.
The decision was followed after Pandya failed to regain his full health and now is set to consult spinal surgeon Dr. James Allibone in UK. The 26-year-old all-rounder had undergone a lower back surgery in October last year.
“Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. He travelled to London and was accompanied by NCA Head Physio Ashish Kaushik for a review by spinal surgeon Dr. James Allibone,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated.
Adding further he said, “Hardik will be under rehab at the National Cricket Academy until he regains full match fitness.” Post injury Hardik has missed out on series against South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh and Australia. He was expected to make a comeback with the Test series against New Zealand but his health failed him. Hardik last featured in Test cricket against England in September 2018 in Southampton.
His fitness is crucial for India’s T20 World Cup as his all-round skills have a lot to offer to the team.
India and New Zealand are scheduled to play their first match of the two-match Test series on 21 February in Wellington and the second match will be played on 29 February in Christchurch.