‘This man is irreplaceable’ – Fans react as officials announce that Hardik Pandya will not fly to Dharamshala with the team
India’s impressive performance in the ongoing World Cup has seen them win all four of their matches so far, placing them second on the points table. With just the net run rate […]
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Oct 20, 2023 2:37 pm
India’s impressive performance in the ongoing World Cup has seen them win all four of their matches so far, placing them second on the points table. With just the net run rate separating them from table-toppers New Zealand, India has shown remarkable form in the tournament.
One of the key factors contributing to India’s success has been the exceptional all-round abilities of Hardik Pandya. Apart from uniquely skilled players like Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, Pandya has emerged as another irreplaceable asset for the team. His unique combination of batting prowess and effective bowling make him a valuable asset for India. Pandya showcased his bowling skills by delivering 16 crucial overs in India’s first three World Cup matches, resulting in five wickets for the team.
Hardik Pandya (Source: twitter)
However, India received a blow when it was announced that Hardik Pandya would be unavailable for their upcoming World Cup match against New Zealand in Dharamsala on Sunday. The all-rounder had sustained an injury during the game against Bangladesh in Pune, forcing him to leave the field. The BCCI confirmed this news through a media release, stating, “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 on October 29. He is advised rest and will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI medical team.”
Hardik Pandya ruled out of the match against New Zealand.
India’s tactical dilemma: Adapting to absence of Hardik Pandya’s all-round prowess
Pandya’s injury occurred during the ninth over of Bangladesh’s innings when, while attempting to field a ball in his follow-through, he appeared to twist his ankle. Subsequently, he underwent scans and was unable to participate further in the match. Team captain Rohit Sharma provided an update on Pandya’s condition during the post-match presentation, saying, “He pulled up a bit sore. There’s no major damage. That is good for us. But honestly, with an injury like that, you’ve got to assess every day. So we just hope that he pulls up well tomorrow morning. And then we will assess, whatever is required for us to do as a team, we’ll do that.”
With no direct replacement available for Pandya’s unique skill set, India faces the challenge of adjusting their playing combination against New Zealand. One option under consideration is bringing in Suryakumar Yadav for Pandya and Mohammed Shami for Shardul Thakur. However, this change would leave Rohit Sharma with just five specialist bowlers, creating an interesting dynamic for the upcoming match. The absence of Pandya’s all-round capabilities will test India’s adaptability and strategic choices as they continue their campaign in the World Cup.
Big loss against the 2nd best team of the tournament. Although hardik hasn’t done much in the matches so far but he is vital for our team balance. pic.twitter.com/mjmywBNY5m
