[Explained] Why Hardik Pandya Has Been Ruled Out Of ODI World Cup 2023

Even as Team India is on a roll in the World Cup 2023 with 7 wins in 7 games, the Men In Blue have been given a big jolt as star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out from the rest of the tournament.

The news was confirmed on Saturday morning, a day before their game against South Africa in Kolkata. The BCCI and team management have roped in fast bowler Prasidh Krishna as the replacement for Hardik Pandya for the remainder of the World Cup.

Why is Hardik Pandya ruled out of World Cup 2023?

Hardik Pandya suffered an ankle injury, later revealed to be ligament damage, against Bangladesh, and he hasn’t been able to recover from that.

Hardik Pandya tried to stop a straight drive shot from Litton Das. In the process, he twisted his ankle. Pandya then left the field and didn’t take part in the game anymore. He then flew to the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore for his recovery.

Hardik then missed three matches against New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka. It had previously been expected that Hardik Pandya would straightaway comeback in the semi-final. But on Saturday, it was confirmed that he won’t be able to recover in time for the knockouts and thus was ruled out from the rest of the tournament.

The selectors then picked Prasidh Krishna as Hardik’s replacement. The Rajasthan Royals pacer who made his ODI debut in 2021 has played 17 ODIs for India so far, picking up 29 wickets at an average of 25 with a best of 4/12.

Krishna himself recently made his comeback from a long-term back injury. He played against Australia in the home ODI series before the World Cup, in which he took 3 wickets in 2 games. Prasidh also bagged 5 wickets in as many matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Karnataka.

After being ruled out, Hardik Pandya took to Twitter and 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”

India are the first team to qualify for the semi-finals. They have two more matches to go, against South Africa and the Netherlands.