Hardik Pandya will not play in India’s next 2023 World Cup match against New Zealand on Sunday, October 22 in Dharamshala. On Thursday, the all-rounder injured his ankle against Bangladesh in Pune when he attempted to save a boundary off his own bowling but stumbled and fell awkwardly.
The BCCI issued a statement on Friday, stating that the vice-captain has been advised to rest and would not accompany the team to Dharamshala. With a week between India’s matches against New Zealand and England, Hardik might be back in Lucknow for the October 29 match against the defending champions.
The BCCI issued the following statement on Hardik Pandya:
“Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya sustained an injury to his left ankle while fielding on his own bowling during India’s match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team.”
The statement went on to say:
“He will not be taking the flight to Dharamsala with the team on 20th October and will now join the team directly in Lucknow where India play England.”
Hardik Pandya’s absence has a direct impact on India’s team balance.
The balance that Hardik gives to the Men in Blue with his all-round skill is nearly impossible to replace, which is why his departure is such a major setback for them ahead of their crucial game against table-toppers New Zealand.
Given Shadrul Thakur’s bowling form, India may opt to bring in Mohammed Shami for Hardik’s bowling and Suryakumar Yadav for Hardik’s batting.
The fact that the hosts may need to make two changes to compensate for one player’s absence demonstrates how important the all-rounder is to the system.
