INDIA’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya has limped off the pitch in a Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh.

Here’s what we know about the cricket star and his injury. 

What happened to Hardik Pandya?

In their fourth league match of the Cricket World Cup in India, against Bangladesh, Hardik was bowling his first over of the match, and ninth of the innings, when he appeared to twist his ankle. 

Hardik looked like he was in pain and struggling to walk, so a physio came onto the pitch, who taped up his ankle.  

He tried to carry on playing but ultimately walked off the pitch to receive further treatment, leaving teammate Virat Kohli to bowl the rest of the over. 

It was later announced he would not be returning to play for the remainder of the innings.

Hardik’s career has not been free from injury— in 2018, he was brought off the pitch on a stretcher during an Asia Cup match against Pakistan.

How long will Hardik Pandya be out for? 

Details of Hardik’s injury and when he might be fit to return to the World Cup are yet to be confirmed. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) tweeted an update: “Hardik Pandya’s injury is being assessed at the moment and he is being taken for scans.”

Fans responded on Twitter hoping for a swift recovery for the cricket star.

One wrote:  “Get well soon Hardik and hope it’s not serious”

Another said: “Hope this is only a momentary injury and Hardik gets fit for the next match.”

India, hosting the Cricket World Cup, has started the tournament strong, securing wins in all three of their opening games. 

All-rounder Hardik has become an integral part of India’s team. 

Who is Hardik Pandya?

Hardik, 30, is Gujurati and made his debut for India’s national team in 2016. 

He has also played domestically for the Baroda cricket team in the city of Vadodara, in Gujarat. 

In the Indian Premier League, Hardik used to play for the Mumbai Indians, before moving to the Gujarat Titans in 2022. 

Hardik is married to 31-year-old Nataša Stanković born in Požarevac, Serbia, now based in Mumbai, India.

The 31-year-old actress and dancer has appeared in a number of Bollywood films, after making her debut in Prakash Jha’s 2013 political drama, Satyagraha.

The couple married on May 31, 2020, in a small wedding during the coronavirus pandemic. 

On February 14, 2023, they renewed their vows in a ceremony that took at the Raffles Hotel in Udaipur, India.