Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh believes Suryakumar Yadav’s position in the playing XI would be crucial in Hardik Pandya’s absence. After suffering an ankle injury against Bangladesh, Pandya missed India’s preceding 2023 World Cup encounter against New Zealand. He is also certain to miss Sunday’s match against England in Lucknow.
In the World Cup match against New Zealand, Suryakumar Yadav replaced Pandya in the playing XI but unfortunately couldn’t make a significant impact. He was run out for just 2 runs due to a misunderstanding with Virat Kohli. Since Pandya is unlikely to be fit for the upcoming match against England, Suryakumar Yadav is expected to get another opportunity to showcase his talent in the ODI World Cup.
Harbhajan Singh gave his opinion on the importance of Suryakumar Yadav in Pandya’s absence on his YouTube channel.
“Hardik Pandya is unlikely to be available for the next two games. In Pandya’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav becomes very important. He will bat at the crucial No. 6 position. He was a little unlucky in the last game. He got run out following a mix-up with Virat Kohli while he was batting.”
Harbhajan Singh
The 43-year-old also stated that if Suryakumar Yadav had scored against the Kiwis, the game would not have gone so far. He also urged the Indian batter to make up for a missed opportunity against England.
“If Suryakumar had stayed there, the match wouldn’t have gone so far. Till Virat Kohli was there out in the middle, there was no need to worry, but Suryakumar Yadav will be a crucial member for this team. I feel if he gets a chance, he will make up for the run out. His performances in ODIs in the recent series against Australia were worth watching.”
Harbhajan Singh
While Suryakumar Yadav went quickly, Kohli struck 95 from 104 balls as India chased down 274 in 48 overs against New Zealand.
World Cup Blow for India: Hardik Pandya Likely to Miss Several Matches
Although there is uncertainty regarding Pandya’s availability for the World Cup clash against England, recent reports suggest that he may also miss several additional matches.
A report from The Times of India suggests that the 30-year-old player may have sustained a Grade 1 ligament tear in his ankle. He injured himself while attempting to block a stroke by Litton Das during the follow-through with his leg.
According to rumors, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin may make a comeback into the playing XI against England in Lucknow.
