The absence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya will impact the balance of Team India in their upcoming 2023 World Cup match against New Zealand. Coach Rahul Dravid has acknowledged this challenge ahead of the game, which will take place on Sunday, October 22, in Dharamsala.
Pandya injured his ankle while trying to stop a ball in his follow-through during India’s match against Bangladesh in Pune. He was subsequently ruled out of the game against New Zealand.
During a news conference on Saturday, Dravid recognized that India will miss Pandya’s flexibility.
“Hardik is an important player for us. He is obviously missing this game and we will try to work around the 14 and see what’s the best combination. But we will obviously miss the balance we have had in the first four games.”
Rahul Dravid
Pandya was injured in the ninth over of Bangladesh’s innings. In his follow-through, he attempted to intercept a straight drive from Litton Das with his right leg, but slipped in the process. He then staggered off the field, leaving Virat Kohli to finish his over.
Following a medical update on Pandya, the BCCI stated that he will join the Indian squad immediately in Lucknow, where they will face defending champions England on October 29. According to the BCCI update:
“The all-rounder was taken for scans after his fall and has been advised rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team.”
BCCI Official
Pandya took five wickets in India’s first three World Cup matches. He only batted once, against Australia, scoring 11*.
“KL Rahul has been doing a fantastic job” – Rahul Dravid
Dravid also praised KL Rahul for his performance in the World Cup thus far. The Indian great noted that it is a challenge for the player because he is not a regular keeper and has only recently returned from injury. Dravid made the following observation:
“KL Rahul has been doing a fantastic job. Rahul has really kept superbly in this tournament and batted really well whenever he has got a chance. It is a challenge since he is not someone who keeps regularly. He’s kept a bit more than I did but it’s still challenging considering that he came back from a long injury.
Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid Continue:
“We thought we would build him up and play him in matches leading up to the World Cup but couldn’t do that because of his injury. The way he came back and worked hard is great. He’s kept really well and it’s really good to see, which gives us a lot of confidence in his abilities,” the 50-year-old added.
Rahul Dravid
KL Rahul has also performed admirably with the bat, hitting 97* against Australia and 34* against Bangladesh.