Despite the absence of Hardik Pandya, who sustained an injury while bowling in the 2023 World Cup match against Bangladesh, Team India has continued to perform exceptionally well. Although Pandya was unable to complete the rest of that game, which India convincingly won, he also missed their subsequent victory over New Zealand.
Initially, reports indicated that he would be fit and prepared to play against England on Sunday, October 29 in Lucknow. However, current information suggests that he will be given a rest as a precautionary measure. India understandably wants to minimize any risks related to the fitness of their key all-rounder player.
So far, Rohit Sharma and company have not been forced to feel Hardik’s absence, but they may find themselves longing for his services when they face England.
Here are three reasons why India would miss Hardik Pandya more than ever in the 2023 World Cup against England.
3. India Faces Crucial Test Against England in 2023 World Cup
India has been dominating their opponents in the 2023 World Cup, securing five consecutive victories. However, they cannot afford to underestimate their upcoming match against England. This game holds significant importance for India’s overall performance in the tournament.
Following their match against England, the Indian cricket team will go head-to-head with Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the Netherlands. If they perform well in these matches, earning at least four points, it would significantly enhance their chances of qualifying for future rounds. Securing a victory against Jos Buttler’s men in Lucknow could potentially solidify their qualification before reaching their final few matches.
Furthermore, even if England hasn’t been at their best and is now tenth in the standings, they remain a formidable side on their day. The defending champs will not surrender without a fight.
India will need their best XI to win, and that XI will undoubtedly include Hardik Pandya, their vice-captain.
2. Suryakumar Yadav Struggles to Perform at Lucknow
Suryakumar Yadav was sadly run out in his first World Cup game, so this may seem harsh. However, the fact is that, on the whole, the dynamic batter has struggled to adjust to the ODI format.
Suryakumar’s ODI fortunes began to improve right before the World Cup, pushing his selection ahead of stars like Sanju Samson. Is he a dependable option at No. 6?
In the shortest format, Suryakumar is very lethal against both speed and spin. Unfortunately, in the 50-over game, he has appeared lost against both disciplines, and there isn’t much evidence to suggest that he’ll be able to succeed in Lucknow.
The Ekana Stadium has provided plenty of swing at all stages of the innings, and spinners will always have a role to play there. While Suryakumar will be encouraged by the fact that England lacks left-arm spinners, they do have a few individuals who can challenge him.
Hardik Pandya would have been a dependable choice at No. 6, but India will now have to approach the match with Suryakumar as a small question mark at the position.
1. India Needs Hardik Pandya to Play an Extra Spinner
The most telling consequence of Hardik Pandya’s absence is this. India can afford to play only five specialist bowlers without the certainty of a fast-bowling all-rounder, which means they may be unable to field one additional spinner.
The Men in Blue selected Ravichandran Ashwin against Australia in Chennai and were expected to do the same in Lucknow. England has struggled against spin, and the off-spinner has a few left-handers to bowl against. In Hardik’s absence, however, playing Ashwin would mean going in with only two pacers.
Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah are all world-class bowlers who aren’t reliant on the pitch to perform well, so India could do without a third spinner. Given the venue, they would have been far better suited with Hardik Pandya in the mix.
