Hardik has not played a match since October 19 – the group game against Bangladesh – and ESPNcricinfo understands that India are unlikely to rush him back till at least the final game of the league stages, against Netherlands on November 12.
Hardik has since been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, and is expected to take his time with the recovery.
To make up for Hardik’s all-round skills, India played Suryakumar Yadav and replaced Shardul Thakur with Mohammed Shami against New Zealand. Suryakumar was run out for 2 but Shami, playing his first match of this World Cup, picked up a five-for to help India restrict New Zealand to under 300. India had little trouble seeing off England as well, eventually cruising to a 100-run win. After the England match, India’s bowling coach Paras Mhambrey had said that the medical team was in constant touch with Hardik and the NCA, and that they were hoping to get an update on his fitness in the “next couple of days”.
India are currently at the top of the points table, and the only unbeaten side in the tournament, with six wins from as many matches. They are next to play Sri Lanka, at the Wankhede on November 2, before heading to Kolkata for the clash against South Africa. They will then round of the league stages by taking on Netherlands in Bengaluru.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo