India skipper Rohit Sharma insists star all-rounder Hardik Pandya won't be rushed back from injury

India captain Rohit Sharma will not rush all-rounder Hardik Pandya back from an ankle problem as the hosts look to secure a place in the World Cup semi-finals with victory over Sri Lanka.

Hardik has missed India's last two games since he sustained the injury when bowling in the victory over Bangladesh.

Rohit, though, insists his return must be carefully managed as India look towards the knockout stages, having won all of their six matches so far after thrashing England in Lucknow.

"It has been very positive, but it is that kind of an injury where we have to see every day how much he has recovered and how many per cent fit he is," Rohit said at a press conference.

"We have to constantly monitor how much he is bowling and how much he is batting. With the way his recovery is progressing, we will hopefully see him on the field soon."

After four defeats, hopes of progress to the knockout stage this year for Sri Lanka are slim.

But head coach Chris Silverwood hopes his side will rise to the challenge of facing the in-form hosts – and look to set the record straight following their last meeting in September when they were bowled out for just 50.

"I would rather hope that the defeat in the Asia Cup (final) would give more motivation to the boys to come out and show plenty of spirit and get stuck in to the Indian side," Silverwood said at a press conference.

"We have seen them play some superb cricket this tournament so far, but I think it is a good opportunity for our boys to show what they are made of as well."

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