Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 due to an ankle injury. He sustained the injury during the game against Bangladesh on October 19. Pandya was bowling just his first over in the game when he twisted his left ankle while trying to stop a straight drive from Litton Das in his follow-through. He had to walk off the field immediately and his over had to be completed by Virat Kohli.
The team management later announced that Pandya would not take any further part in the game. He has been sidelined since then and missed India’s last three World Cup games against New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka. Pandya was undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and was expected to link up with the team just before the semifinals.
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As per media reports, the team management wanted him to avoid any travel and join the team in Bengaluru only before the last league game against the Netherlands. However, Pandya has failed to recover in time and has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup. Fast-bowler Prasidh Krishna has replaced him in the India squad.
India has already got the green signal from the ICC to add Krishna to the squad. As a result, he would be available to play against South Africa on Sunday (November 5). While fans have sympathized with Pandya for the way his World Cup campaign has ended, few decided to abuse him. Soon after the news was confirmed, the fans took to his Instagram comment section to abuse him and criticize him for the unfortunate injury.
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It is saddening to see that some fans have chosen to abuse Pandya for an injury that was beyond his control. It is important to remember that cricket is just a game and that players are human beings too. They deserve to be treated with respect, even when they make mistakes or get injured.
Cyberbullying is a serious problem and it is important to stand up against it. If you see someone being abused online, please report it to the platform. You can also support the victim by offering them words of encouragement and support.
