India's all rounder Hardik Pandya will be out for at least another two months because of the ankle injury sustained when he tried to stop a ball off his own bowling in the World Cup league game against Bangladesh.

As reported by the IndianExpress, Pandya will miss the upcoming T20I series at home against Australia and is also likely to miss three T20Is and three ODIs in South Africa.

The Baroda all-rounder lost his balance while trying to stop a shot from Bangladesh opener Liton Das and dragged his right boot while landing on the pitch. He got up and looked in discomfort as he stood on his haunches. Pandya was later rushed to the National Cricket Academy for rehabilitation and then ruled out from the ongoing World Cup.

The medical team is yet to take a call if Pandya needs a surgery.

Two weeks ago, Pandya was asked to bowl in the nets with strength and conditioning coaches advising him to increase speed slowly. The support staff didn’t want him to put too much pressure on his ankle. It is learnt that Pandya didn’t face any problem in the first three balls he bowled. He decided to increase the intensity of his bowling for the next delivery. It was during the fourth ball that he felt a bit of pain in his leg.

Pandya informed the support staff about the pain he felt on his right ankle. The NCA medical team decided to get another round of scans done.

Pandya took down his social media and penned down a heartfelt message: “Tough to digest the fact that I will miss out on the remaining part of the World Cup. I’ll be with the team, in spirit, cheering them on every ball of every game. Thanks for all the wishes, the love, and the support has been incredible. This team is special and I’m sure we’ll make everyone proud. Love, always, HP”.

The tournament’s Event Technical Committee had approved seamer Prasidh Krishna as Pandya’s replacement. The 27-year-old, Krishna, who has made a comeback after a long injury layoff, has played 17 ODIs for India and has bagged 29 wickets.