Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to join the Indian cricket team earlier than anticipated, potentially making him available for the upcoming series against Afghanistan. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Honorary Secretary Jay Shah provided an injury update, stating that Pandya, recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the World Cup, is working hard at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Shah suggested Pandya could be fit before the Afghanistan series. Regarding other injured players, Shah mentioned that pacer Mohammed Shami is likely to be available for the Test matches against South Africa, while a decision on Rishabh Pant's return will be made by the BCCI. Shah also addressed the extension given to the men's team management under Rahul Dravid, stating that coaching staff contracts are yet to be finalized. On the issue of scheduling pink-ball matches, Shah mentioned ongoing talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Key Points
1. Allrounder Hardik Pandya is likely to join the Indian cricket team earlier than expected and may be available for the upcoming series against Afghanistan, according to BCCI Honorary Secretary Jay Shah.
2. Pandya sustained an ankle injury during the World Cup, but Shah provided a positive update, stating that he is working hard at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and could be fit before the Afghanistan series.
3. The BCCI is closely monitoring Pandya's injury on a day-to-day basis, and his availability could be a boost for India ahead of the crucial series against England and the T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.
4. Pacer Mohammed Shami is expected to be available for the Test matches against South Africa, while a decision on wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant's return to action will be taken by the BCCI, indicating that it will be a board decision rather than the franchise's.
5. Shah mentioned that the duration of the extension given to the men's team management under Rahul Dravid has not been decided yet, and the contracts of the coaching staff are yet to be finalized.
6. While the coaching staff has received an extension, the details of their contracts will be worked out once they return from the South Africa tour.
7. Regarding the uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma's participation in the T20 World Cup, Shah emphasized that there is still time for clarity, with the tournament scheduled to start in June and considering the IPL and the series against Afghanistan before that.
8. Shah addressed the lack of additional pink-ball matches in India after the one-Test against Australia at Eden Gardens, stating that discussions are ongoing with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on this matter.
9. The update on Hardik Pandya's early return is a positive development for the Indian cricket team, providing a potential boost for upcoming series and tournaments.
10. The BCCI remains actively involved in decisions related to player injuries, team management extensions, coaching staff contracts, and discussions with other cricket boards to enhance the team's overall performance.
(With Agency Inputs)
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