Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 for an indefinite period of time due to an injury that he sustained while trying to field off his own bowling during the match against Bangladesh on October 19. On Wednesday, Indian captain Rohit Sharma gave a crucial update on the status of Hardik’s injury. Sharma stated that the condition of the star player is being monitored on a day-to-day basis, and that he is not available for selection for the upcoming match against Sri Lanka.
“Whatever procedure he went through after the injury, it was very positive. He is obviously not available for tomorrow’s [Sri Lanka] match. But it is an injury that we have to see every day how much percent he has recovered, how much he is bowling, how much he is batting. So we are monitoring it on a day-to-day basis. The way it’s going, hopefully we’ll get to see him as soon as possible. That’s all I can say for now,” Rohit Sharma said in the pre-match press conference.
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According to ESPNcricinfo, Hardik Pandya is also doubtful for India’s ODI World Cup game against South Africa on November 5, and it is uncertain whether he will be back for India’s last league game against the Netherlands on November 12.
Captain Rohit Sharma said in PC, “Hardik Pandya is not available for tomorrow’s match. Hopefully he will come back soon”. pic.twitter.com/T9Hg0mlwCy
— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) November 1, 2023
Hardik’s absence is a major blow to India’s ODI World Cup campaign. He is one of the most important players in the team, and his all-round abilities bring a lot of balance to the side.
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In Hardik’s absence, India has made two changes to their team for the match against Sri Lanka. They have brought in Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami, replacing Shardul Thakur. Suryakumar Yadav scored an important 47-ball 49 in India’s most recent encounter against England, while Shami has been in excellent form, picking up nine wickets in just two matches.
When Hardik does get fit, the Indian team management will be in for a massive selection headache. They will need to decide who to drop from the team to accommodate him.
