Hardik may return for Afghanistan matches

Mumbai, Dec 9: AS the Indian cricket team gets ready to launch its campaign in South Africa, here is some good news for it — allrounder Hardik Pandya is likely to join his teammates ahead of schedule and may be available for the upcoming series against Afghanistan.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Honorary Secretary Jay Shah on Saturday gave an update on Pandya’s injury saying that the allrounder will be available well before India’s crucial series against England and the T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.
Pandya had suffered an injury during the World Cup, hurting his ankle as he tried to stop the ball off his own bowling in the match against Bangladesh in Pune. He has been recuperating at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
“We are monitoring it (Pandya’s injury) on a day-to-day basis. He is at NCA only, he is working very hard and we will let you know in due course the moment he is fit. He could be fit before the Afghanistan series also,” said Shah on the sidelines of the WPL Auction here.
Talking about two other stars recuperating from injury, Shah said that pacer Mohammed Shami would be available for the Test matches against South Africa while the BCCI will take a final call on Pant’s return to action soon. (PTI)