Hardik Pandya ruled of ICC World Cup 2023, Prasidh Krishna named as replacement.

In a significant setback for Team India, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will play no further part in the ongoing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. The hard-hitting cricketer sustained an ankle injury during a match against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19. Following the injury, Hardik underwent scans and was subsequently sent to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for specialized treatment by an English specialist. Initially, there was hope that he would recover in time to contribute during the later stages of the tournament, which included critical league-stage matches against South Africa and the Netherlands, as well as the knockout rounds.

Regrettably, Hardik Pandya’s recovery progress didn’t meet the expectations, forcing the team management to make a tough decision. As a result, the management has named pacer Prasidh Krishna as Hardik’s replacement in the squad, and this change was officially approved by the tournament’s Event Technical Committee.

This means that Prasidh Krishna is now eligible to be part of the playing XI for Team India’s upcoming match against South Africa, should the team decide to include him.

Hardik Pandya’s absence has not only deprived Team India of a dynamic all-rounder but has also led to changes in the team’s composition. Another promising all-rounder, Shardul Thakur, has been benched as well, and the team has adjusted its strategy by fielding specialist players such as Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami to compensate for the loss of batting depth.

Despite these changes, Team India has managed to adapt effectively. Suryakumar Yadav has stepped up and delivered with the bat, showcasing his prowess as a middle-order batsman, complementing the in-form top order, which has been formidable. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami has emerged as a bowling spearhead, amassing an impressive tally of 14 wickets in just three matches. His partnership with fellow pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj has formed a potent and lethal trio, bolstering Team India’s chances in the tournament.