Hardik Pandya to miss World Cup due to health reason; major update

Hardik Pandya will skip the World Cup 2023 after being unable to recover from the ankle injury he suffered during the India vs Bangladesh game.

"India's unbeaten start to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup has received a massive hit with the news that star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has failed to recover from his ankle injury and will miss the remainder of the tournament," ICC has said.

Pandya hurt his left ankle during the match and has not been able to recover as of now.

"His place in India's squad will be taken by Prasidh Krishna, with the inexperienced fast bowler parachuted into the playing group after being approved by the tournament's Event Technical Committee on Saturday," ICC added.

Pandya injured his ankle while trying to stop the shot with his foot. "He pulled up a bit sore," Rohit Sharma said after the game against Bangladesh. "There's no major damage. That is good for us. But honestly, with an injury like that, you've got to assess every day. So we just hope that he pulls up well tomorrow morning. And then we will assess, whatever is required for us to do as a team, we'll do that."

Ankle injury is a common sports injury. It is most commonly seen among fast bowlers when they place their foot during the bowling action and sometimes stretch their ligaments. Ankle injury is identified by pain, restricted movement and sometimes the ankle is unable to bear any weight. The primary treatment includes resting the ankle, applying ice to the affected area and apply pain relief medicines.

Here's a guide on how to care for your ankle post-recovery:

Follow medical advice: Adhere to your healthcare provider's recommendations, including rest, physical therapy, and any prescribed medications.
Gradual return to activity: Start with gentle exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility. Gradually increase the intensity and duration over time.
Proper footwear: Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes to reduce the risk of re-injury.
Ankle brace or support: If advised by a healthcare professional, use an ankle brace or support during physical activities.
Stretching and strengthening: Incorporate ankle-specific exercises into your routine to improve stability and reduce the risk of future injuries.
Balance training: Balance exercises can enhance stability and prevent sprains. Include activities like standing on one leg or using a balance board.
Warm-up and cool down: Always warm up before exercise and cool down afterward to prevent muscle stiffness and reduce the risk of injury.
Maintain a healthy diet: Proper nutrition supports healing and overall health.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and decrease flexibility. Ensure you're adequately hydrated.
Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on your ankle joints and lowers the risk of injury.
Avoid high-risk activities: Be cautious with activities that put excessive strain on your ankle, such as high-impact sports or uneven terrain.

Listen to your body. If you experience pain or discomfort, rest and allow your ankle to recover.

Avoid overuse: Do not push your ankle beyond its limits, as this can lead to overuse injuries.

Regular checkups: Periodically consult with your healthcare provider to assess the healing progress and address any concerns.

Supportive environment: Make your home and workplace safe by removing tripping hazards and using handrails on stairs.

Gradual return to sports: If you're an athlete, consult a sports medicine specialist for a safe and structured return to sports activities.

Ankle taping: Consider taping or strapping the ankle if recommended by a physical therapist or sports trainer.

Listen to your body: Pay attention to any pain, discomfort, or unusual sensations in your ankle and seek medical attention if needed.