Hardik Pandya, a key player for Team India, won’t be playing in the 2023 World Cup anymore. He hurt his ankle. This 30-year-old cricket player finds it hard to accept. However, he says he’ll still support his team, known as the Men in Blue, for the rest of the contest.
The cricketer from Baroda was injured during a World Cup match against Bangladesh. It happened in Pune. He was only able to bowl three times. Then Virat Kohli took over for him. The crowd found this amusing. Although a skilled seam-bowler, Hardik didn’t play the next three matches. People had learned earlier that he would not play the rest of the league games.
You can see the Hardik Pandya post below:
Tough to digest the fact that I will miss out on the remaining part of the World Cup. I'll be with the team, in spirit, cheering them on every ball of every game. Thanks for all the wishes, the love, and the support has been incredible. This team is special and I'm sure we'll… pic.twitter.com/b05BKW0FgL
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) November 4, 2023
While the great cricketer only batted once in four 2023 World Cup matches, he was an excellent bowler. He took five wickets at a 6.85 economy rate.
Prasidh Krishna Replaces Hardik Pandya In India’s World Cup Team
Meanwhile, the management has decided to replace Hardik Pandya with right-arm fast bowler Prasidh Krishna for the event. Krishna made his One-Day International debut in early 2021 and has 29 wickets in 17 ODIs, including two four-wicket hauls.
Still, without Pandya, the Boys in Blue may feel the impact. His absence throws off the team’s balance. He’s not just a great hitter at 30, he also provides an additional choice for bowling.
Already, Team India has advanced to the semi-finals and still faces two league matches, against South Africa and the Netherlands separately.