Hardik Pandya ruled out of World cup 2023 due to ligament damage. Prasidh Krishna brought in as replacement

Star Indian All-Rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the final phase of the Cricket World Cup 2023. He appeared to be twisting his left ankle while trying to stop the ball midway through his follow through against Bangladesh in India’s 4th League stage match.

27-year-old Pacer Prasidh Krishna has been brought in as replacement for Pandya who is currently under rehabiliation at the NCA in Bengaluru. Pandya was taken off the field for further scans during the clash against Bangladesh on October 19th.

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… pic.twitter.com/b05BKW0FgL

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) November 4, 2023

It was being said that the 30-year-old might return in time for India’s final 2 CWC league matches against South Africa and Netherlands. However, a latest report has indicated that Pandya has damaged his left ankle ligament and that has ruled him out entirely.

Hardik Pandya won't be playing in the remaining part of 2023 World Cup. He has been Ruled Out from the tournament due to injury.

Prasidh Krishna will take his place on the team. pic.twitter.com/2xGRNCThAj

— Sidharth (@CrikTour) November 4, 2023

Many thought that it would prove to be a setback for Rahul Dravid’s side as Hardik Pandya’s all-round performances have been vital. But India looked absolutely unfazed with his absence, winning against New Zealand, England and Sri-Lanka to keep their 100% win record alive.

In fact, India appeared to be changing their tactics following Pandya’s unfortunate injury. They dropped Shardul Thakur from the playing XI and welcomed an extra pacer (Mohammed Shami) along with the explosive Surya Kumar Yadav who is enjoying his maiden ICC Cricket World Cup campaign.

While Shami has changed the entire complexion of India’s bowling attack, picking 14 wickets in just 3 outings. Surya on the other hand has struggled a bit, scoring just 63 runs in same amount of matches. But with Hardik Pandya ruled out and Prasidh Krishna coming in, Rohit Sharma’s side could get even more lethal.

Krishna has previously played for India most recently during the 3-match ODI series against Australia at home right before the World cup. During the Asia Cup 2023, he was warming the bench and played only one match against Bangladesh which India had lost.

He has played 17 matches for the Men in Blue and has taken 29 wickets with best figures of 4/12. 

At the moment Pandya’s absence might not affect India that much but during the crunch phases especially in the Semi-finals and Finals if they reach, will his injury haunt the hosts? Time will tell.