Team India supporters are waiting with bated breath after talismanic all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s left ankle injury against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19 was submitted for scans.
Hardik’s injury occurred midway through his first over, the ninth over of the game, as he attempted to stop a boundary on his follow-through. The 30-year-old frowned in agony and hobbled off the field, letting Virat Kohli to finish the over.
While the exact nature of the injury and his participation going forward is yet to be confirmed, the absence of Hardik Pandya leaves a void almost impossible to fill. With the ability to pick up timely wickets and finish off games with the bat, replacing Hardik Pandya will be a severe headache for the team management.
He has already proven his worth in the present World Cup, taking five wickets at an outstanding 22.60 average. Aside from basic stats, the all-rounder’s contribution to the playing XI makes him essential.
However, if Hardik Pandya is ruled out of India’s next game against New Zealand in Dharamsala, all is not lost for the Men in Blue. The opportunity for others who have been warming the seats might be a silver lining.
With that in mind, here are three players who might replace Hardik Pandya in India’s starting lineup against New Zealand.
1. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as a strong option to fill Hardik Pandya’s batting role in the Indian team. With the ability to play both as a finisher and an aggressor, he offers versatility depending on the situation. His recent performances in the ODI series against Australia highlighted his skills, with two fifties and a rapid unbeaten 72.
Suryakumar has a knack for playing unconventional shots that can surprise the bowlers. He can add more firepower to the already strong Indian batting lineup. He can bat at No.6 and take charge of the final overs.
Suryakumar’s only drawback is that he is not a bowling option like Pandya. India might have to compromise on their bowling depth and play a specialist bowler instead. However, Suryakumar’s batting prowess might outweigh this disadvantage.
2. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan is a versatile player who can open, bat in the middle order, and keep wickets. He can replace Hardik Pandya and be the only left-hander in the Indian top six. He can also counter the New Zealand spinners with his skill and power.
Kishan has experience of playing in the World Cup as an opener against Australia and Afghanistan. He also scored a brilliant 82 at No.5 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. He can adapt to any situation and role in the Indian batting lineup.
Kishan’s inclusion will mean India will have to play with five bowlers, but they can choose from Shami or Ashwin to strengthen their attack. Kishan can also get some valuable game time before the knockout stages of the tournament.
3. Ravichandran Ashwin
The debate between Ashwin and Thakur for the No.8 spot could end if India play both of them in place of Hardik Pandya. This will give India six bowling options and a left-handed batsman in Jadeja at No.6. Jadeja can handle the finishing role with his improved batting skills and form.
Jadeja can also counter the New Zealand spinners with his left-handedness. He has not batted yet in the World Cup, which shows how well the top five have performed. Ashwin is also a handy batsman who has scored a fifty at No.7 in ODIs.
India could try this option at Dharamsala, where the pitch is usually good for batting. It could give them more balance and depth in their lineup.