India’s attacking midfielder Hardik Singh has been ruled out of the team’s last group match of the FIH Hockey World Cup against Wales due to a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old Hardik, one of the most impressive performers in the tournament for the team, scored a goal in India’s 2-0 win against Spain and then created several chances during Sunday’s goalless draw against England. Hardik was injured during the match against England in Rourkela. The hosts will play Wales here on Thursday.
However, an official confirmation on his status is awaited. A source close to the team said that no decision has been taken on the replacement player and it is unlikely that the team will make such a demand in future. Hardik’s MRI and other scans were done and it has also been learned that the team management is against playing him against Wales as there is a possibility of injury in such a situation. On Sunday, when only three minutes were left for the game to end, Hardik limped off the field. In the post-match press conference, head coach Graham Reid said it was not as serious as initially suspected.
