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Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan starting from January 11. This comes as a continuation of his absence from the cricketing scene since sustaining a ligament tear in his right ankle during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 game against Bangladesh in Pune on November 19. The injury occurred when Pandya landed awkwardly while attempting to stop a ball on his follow-through.

Initially, the extent of the injury was uncertain, but subsequent scans revealed a Grade 2 tear, forcing him to miss the remainder of the World Cup. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna was drafted into the squad as Pandya's replacement.

Following the injury, Pandya underwent rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, with an initial prognosis of a four to six-week recovery period. Unfortunately, the rehabilitation process took longer than expected, causing him to miss subsequent T20I series against Australia and South Africa.

Notably, Pandya had an impactful stint with the Gujarat Titans in the IPL after being released by the Mumbai Indians in 2022. Under his captaincy, the team secured their maiden IPL trophy and reached the final in the 2023 season, ultimately losing to the Chennai Super Kings. The 30-year-old's absence will be felt as India faces Afghanistan in the upcoming T20I series.