Hardik Pandya to be out for five months after surgery
What's the story
Indian cricket team all-rounder Hardik Pandya underwent a a successful surgery in London for an acute lower-back injury.
This will see the player be out of action for a period of around five months.
The promising cricketer will miss India's upcoming series against Bangladesh, Windies, Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand respectively.
Here's more on the same.
Pandya timeline
A look at Pandya's journey since the back injury
Pandya had suffered the injury during the Asia Cup 2018.
He returned for the limited-overs series against New Zealand.
He was also ruled out against Australia at home because of lower back stiffness.
Pandya featured in the Indian Premier League for Mumbai Indians, besides the 2019 World Cup.
He was rested for the tour of Windies before featuring in the T20Is against South Africa.
Discomfort
Pandya complained of discomfort after T20Is against SA
After the T20Is against South Africa last month, Pandya, who wasn't selected for the ongoing Test series, complained of discomfort.
He was assessed after the third T20I held in Bengaluru and was then asked to undergo the surgery.
Pandya confirmed on Instagram that the surgery went successfully and he will return back in no time.
Instagram Post
Surgery gone successfully for Pandya
Return
Pandya will be aiming to return in ODIs against SA
Pandya will be aiming to make a return during the three-match ODI series against South Africa to be held in March 2020.
The IPL 2020 season will be held post that and Pandya will be needing to get his groove back.
With the ICC World T20 to be held next year, Pandya's main focus will be to prepare for the event.
Information
Pandya's influence in Team India is huge
Pandya is a vital cog in this Indian cricket team and his presence is huge. The team will miss him dearly in the upcoming tournaments, especially in the limited-overs format. What's important is that Pandya will get immense time to recover and return fresh.