During India's fourth league match of the World Cup against Bangladesh in Pune, Hardik Pandya hobbled off the field due to an injured left ankle, giving India a serious scare.

Pandya, first in the ninth over, sprained his ankle while continuing, and later during the broadcast, it was announced that he would not return to the field for the rest of the innings. The Physio came in right away to take care of Pandya and applied pressure to his ankle for a few minutes. Pandya then attempted to resume his bowl but was unable to because of the pain.

Virat Kohli bowls Hardik Pandya's remaining over, fans stunned

Pandya departed from the match at 2.59 p.m., one hour into the innings, to receive further medical attention. The Indian Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) subsequently announced that Pandya will undergo scans. The three deliveries remaining in the over were bowled by skipper Kohli.

Photo: Virat Kohli

Apart from Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, Pandya is undoubtedly the most indispensable player of the India team due to the all-round role he plays. He is skilled enough to bat as a specialist, but his bowling gives India a much-needed sixth bowler. Pandya has bowled 16 overs and grabbed five wickets in India's first three World Cup matches.

India currently holds a three-win-in-three-game record in the World Cup, making them one of the two teams remaining unbeaten in the tournament. Following Bangladesh, India's next match will take place in Dharamshala on Sunday, where they will take on New Zealand, the second innovator with four victories in four matches.

Photo: Espn