IND Vs NZ: Harbhajan Singh Reveals Hardik Pandya's Replacement, Wants Rohit Sharma To Make Two Major Changes Against New Zealand

The Indian cricket team is grappling with a significant conundrum as they face the unenviable task of replacing the indispensable Hardik Pandya in their playing XI. Hardik, a dynamic all-rounder, possesses a rare skill set that has long been a source of strength for the Indian team. However, finding a like-for-like replacement for him has proved to be a vexing challenge.

The paucity of top-notch seam-bowling all-rounders has perennially plagued the Indian cricket landscape. In stark contrast to countries like Australia, with talents such as Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Cameron Green, India lacks a similar pool of resources in this department. Consequently, when adversity strikes, as it has now with Hardik Pandya’s injury, there is no direct substitute readily available.

Hardik Pandya’s absence from the upcoming clash against New Zealand in Dharamshala on Sunday is certain, owing to an ankle injury he sustained during the previous match against Bangladesh. The injury occurred while he was bowling his first over and had bowled only three balls in his spell in Pune. Clearly in considerable pain, he had to exit the field.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that he would not be traveling with the team to Dharamshala and would instead be sent to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for a thorough medical assessment.

Hardik Pandya Is Likely To Be Back For The Game Against England

Fortunately, initial scans have not revealed any major concerns, offering a glimmer of hope that Hardik Pandya could return in time for the England match in Lucknow on the 29th. However, the immediate question is how to fill the void in the New Zealand encounter.

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh suggests that captain Rohit Sharma may need to make two critical changes to compensate for Hardik’s absence. Given that Dharamshala tends to offer more swing than other World Cup venues, Harbhajan advises opting for a seamer, specifically Mohammed Shami, in place of off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Additionally, at the No.6 position, the team should consider either Ishan Kishan or Suryakumar Yadav, with the latter having a higher probability due to his proven ability to finish games.

Harbhajan Singh shared his insights, stating, “It’s a big issue for India if Hardik Pandya is not fit. He sets our combination, and if he doesn’t play, then you will have to change it. You can either play Ishan Kishan or Suryakumar Yadav as a pure batter. We are playing Shardul Thakur because of his all-rounder abilities. I think you should bring Mohammed Shami in his place as he can give you a solid 10 overs.”

This match against New Zealand marks a pivotal moment in India’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 journey. Up until now, they have operated as a well-coordinated unit, with Jasprit Bumrah delivering crucial breakthroughs, and spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja efficiently applying pressure during the middle overs. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma’s explosive starts in the powerplay and Virat Kohli’s unwavering steadiness have ensured that India reaches their targets comfortably.