Indian cricket team has suffered a massive blow in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. Premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with the ankle injury that he faced.
Hardik Pandya twisted his ankle during the game against Bangladesh in ICC World Cup 2023 on in Pune on October 19. He didn’t take part in the match after the injury and missed the next three games for the team in the tournament against New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka.
Ever since suffering injury, Hardik Pandya has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore. There were many reports that the all-rounder is nearing full fitness as he has started batting and bowling in nets. It was learned that he would join the team ahead of the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2023.
But in a shocking development on Saturday (4th November), it was confirmed that Hardik Pandya will be missing the entire tournament. The all-rounder failed to recover on time and will be needing more time to recover.
Hardik Pandya’s absence for the remaining for the ICC World Cup 2023 will be a massive blow for the team. The Men in Blue don’t have any 6th bowling option in the ranks and it might well cost them.
Since the all-rounder suffered an injury, they have been playing with just 5 bowlers. Also, his batting exploits are missing in the end as Suryakumar Yadav is yet to fire. He scored 49 runs against England but failed in two games. But it’s expected that he would be backed because of the ability he possesses.
IND vs SA: BCCI names Prasidh Krishna as replacement of Hardik Pandya of ICC World Cup 2023
With Hardik Pandya being ruled out of the ICC World Cup 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named an immediate replacement for the all-rounder. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has been added to the team and will be available for selection from the clash against South Africa on 5th November in Kolkata.
Prasidh Krishna was part of India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2023 and has been in the ranks for a while. His presence in the squad will be a good cover for the pacers in Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami.
Coming to the Indian Cricket Team, they are currently at the top of the points table with 7 wins under their belt from 7 games. They have qualified for the semi-finals and will be next seen in action against South Africa in Kolkata.