In a devastating blow to Indian cricket fans, allrounder Hardik Pandya’s World Cup dream has been shattered. The 2023 World Cup will forever be etched in his memory as the one he missed. Hardik Pandya, a key figure in India’s quest for the trophy, has been ruled out due to a persistent ankle injury he sustained during the match against Bangladesh in Pune last month.
With India poised to reach the semi-finals, this untimely setback has left Pandya gutted and struggling to come to terms with his abrupt exit. The prospect of being sidelined as India emerges as strong favorites to secure the World Cup on home soil is a bitter pill for the star all-rounder.
Hardik Pandya had been undergoing rigorous rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, with hopes of returning for the knockout stages. However, the cricketer’s aspirations were dashed as official word came in confirming his absence for the remainder of the tournament.
This heart-wrenching news prompted Pandya to take to Instagram, where he shared his disappointment and left a heartfelt message for his teammates, who have secured a place in the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive World Cup. He wrote, “Tough to digest the fact that I will miss out on the remaining part of the World Cup. I’ll be with the team, in spirit, cheering them on every ball of every game. Thanks for all the wishes, the love, and the support has been incredible. This team is special, and I’m sure we’ll make everyone proud. Love, always, HP.”
As Hardik Pandya steps down, fast bowler Prasidh Krishna steps up to fill his shoes in the Indian squad. The ICC Technical Committee has approved this change, selecting the right-handed pacer, who last represented India in the ODI series against Australia just before the World Cup. In that series, Krishna showcased his mettle by securing three wickets in two matches. His stellar form continued with five wickets in as many games for Karnataka in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Prasidh Krishna now joins the ranks of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur, forming the formidable fast bowling contingent for India.
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