Hardik Pandya out of the World Cup 2023: India’s dominance in the 2023 ODI World Cup has taken a hit with the unfortunate exit of vice-captain Hardik Pandya due to a left ankle injury sustained during the match against Bangladesh.
Pandya’s Injury and Diagnosis
During his first over against Bangladesh, Pandya twisted his left ankle while attempting to stop a shot, leading to his withdrawal from the match. Subsequent scans revealed ligament damage, compelling him to undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Prasidh Krishna Steps In
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images
As a consequence of Pandya’s absence, Prasidh Krishna gets the opportunity to fulfill his World Cup dream. With 29 wickets in 17 ODIs and a recent impressive performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Krishna brings his form to the World Cup after last playing for India in two ODIs against Australia.
Hardik’s Emotional Message
In response to the setback, Hardik Pandya shared an emotional message with fans, expressing his disappointment at missing the remainder of the World Cup. Despite his absence on the field, he pledged to support the team in spirit and conveyed gratitude for the overwhelming wishes and support.
Team Reshuffle
Image: PTI
Following Pandya’s injury, India restructured their playing XI, dropping Shardul Thakur and introducing Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami. The tactical shift aimed at fielding six specialist batters, one all-rounder, and four specialist bowlers in matches against New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka.
Suryakumar’s Struggle, Shami’s Brilliance
Suryakumar Yadav’s inclusion, despite scoring 63 runs at a strike rate of 105 in three innings, has raised questions. On the other hand, Mohammed Shami has emerged as a standout performer, amassing 14 wickets in 22 overs at an impressive average of 6.71 and an economy rate of 4.27.
India’s Campaign
Despite the setback, India remains a formidable force, securing seven consecutive wins and becoming the first team to qualify for the semi-finals. A resounding 302-run victory against Sri Lanka in Mumbai showcased their dominance. The upcoming match against South Africa in Kolkata could determine their position as table-toppers before the final league fixture against the Netherlands in Bengaluru on November 12.
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