India all-rounder Hardik Pandya said it is “tough to digest” the reality that he won’t be able to take any more part on the field for India in the ongoing World Cup 2023 tournament after being ruled out due to an ankle injury.
On Saturday morning, a day before India’s game against South Africa, it was confirmed that Hardik Pandya has been ruled out for the rest of the World Cup 2023 due to the ligament damage he sustained during the game against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19.
The management and the selectors have named fast bowler Prasidh Krishna as Hardik Pandya’s replacement.
I’ll be with the team, in spirit: Hardik Pandya
Pandya took to Twitter to express his frustrations on being ruled out from the tournament, in which he was India’s vice-captain and a key figure providing balance to the side. The 30-year-old said he will remain with the team “in spirit” and will be cheering every ball. He thanked his fans for their support.
Hardik Pandya tweeted: “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”
Pandya had injured himself in Pune when trying to stop a straight drive from Litton Das. He left the field for scans and didn’t take any part in the game. He then flew to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore.
Although he missed the next three games – against New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka – the BCCI was optimistic that he would be fit for the semi-final. However, he has now been ruled out. He will continue his rehab at the NCA.
Lanky Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has been added to India’s squad as Hardik Pandya’s replacement. Krishna made his ODI debut in 2021; in 17 ODIs, Prasidh has snapped 29 wickets at an average of 25 with a best of 4/12.
