Hardik Pandya, a crucial component of the Indian cricket team, is set to miss India’s upcoming clash against New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 due to an ankle injury. The injury occurred during the India vs. Bangladesh match, casting a shadow over the team’s preparations for the vital encounter.
The injury was sustained while Hardik was in the act of bowling, a double blow as he is not only a vital seam-bowling all-rounder but also the vice-captain of the team. As the entire squad gets ready to travel to Dharamshala for their next fixture, Hardik Pandya will be making a detour to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for a comprehensive medical examination. While the initial scans conducted in Pune have not revealed any major injuries, the team management is not taking any chances and has opted for a thorough evaluation.
The absence of Hardik Pandya is undoubtedly a significant concern for the Indian team. Dinesh Karthik, an experienced cricketer and former international, articulated the sentiments of many when he referred to Hardik as ‘irreplaceable.’ In a video released by ICC, Karthik said, “There are players you can replace, Hardik Pandya is not one of them. He bowls, he bats, and he is a terrific fielder. You kind of get either/or in most teams; there are certain irreplaceable players, and he falls bang in the middle of it. India, in case he doesn’t play the game in Dharamshala, will be forced to make one change and at times two, just to compensate for the cricketer Hardik Pandya is.”
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Hardik Pandya Is Likely To Be Back For The Game Against England
The multifaceted abilities of Hardik Pandya make him a unique asset in the Indian lineup. His adeptness as a seam-bowling all-rounder adds depth to both the batting and bowling departments, and his exceptional fielding skills are invaluable in the shorter formats of the game. As a vice-captain, he also plays a crucial role in providing leadership and support to the team.
The injury comes at a challenging juncture for India, who have been performing admirably in the World Cup. Hardik’s absence will necessitate some strategic reshuffling to fill the void he leaves behind. It is a testament to his influence on the team that his unavailability could potentially lead to not just one but possibly two changes in the playing XI.
As India faces New Zealand in Dharamshala, they will not only have to contend with a formidable opponent but also the challenge of compensating for the loss of an irreplaceable player. The team management will have some crucial decisions to make as they seek to maintain their unbeaten streak in the tournament. While Hardik Pandya’s return is anticipated for the match against England in Lucknow, his absence in the upcoming fixture serves as a reminder of the vital role he plays in the Indian cricket team’s success.
The post IND Vs NZ: ‘Hardik Pandya Is An Irreplaceble Player’, Says Dinesh Karthik Ahead Of The New Zealand Clash appeared first on CricketAddictor.
