In a major blow for India’s World Cup squad, BCCI has confirmed that Hardik Pandya will miss out the match against New Zealand due to injury that he suffered during the game against Bangladesh in Pune. In a medical bulletin post on X, the BCCI gave the medical update on the all-rounder. According to BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, India’s vice-captain suffered an injury near his left ankle. Pandya was fielding his bowling when he got injured during the match on Thursday. The injured cricketer was taken off the field and Virat Kohli had to complete his over.

The BCCI’s medical team says that Pandya was taken for scans and has been advised to take rest. He is under constant supervision. This means that the all-rounder won’t be travelling to Dharamshala for the match against New Zealand. Instead, he will now join the squad straight in Lucknow for the game against England.

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It was for the first time in last six years that Kohli was seen bowling in an ODI match. The ex-skipper bowled the three deliveries to complete Pandya’s over. Indian vice-captain was not the only one to suffer an injury during the match. Bangladeshi skipper Shakib Al Hasan had to miss out the game due to ‘quad injury’. Nasum Ahmed replaced him and Najmul Hossain Shanto was the stand-in captain.

All hail King Kohli!

Virat Kohli’s legendary status continued to soar as he came tantalizingly close to Sachin Tendulkar’s world record of 49 centuries during India’s effortless seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a World Cup match on Thursday.

Kohli, renowned for his meticulous planning in 50-over chases, remained unbeaten on 103 from 97 balls as India comfortably reached the 258-run target with 51 balls to spare. With this win, India has now secured four victories in four games, and one more would almost guarantee their place in the semi-finals.

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While Kohli managed six fours and four sixes, it was his exceptional running between the wickets in pursuit of his 48th hundred that will be remembered for a long time. Credit should also be given to Ravindra Jadeja (2/38 in 10 overs) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/41 in 10 overs), who excelled in covering all aspects of the game in the absence of Hardik Pandya, who left the field after twisting his left ankle.