IND vs SA: Rahul Dravid Reveals Why Prasidh Krishna Replaced Hardik Pandya In India's World Cup Squad

India National Cricket Team head coach Rahul Dravid has finally revealed the reason behind the inclusion of the pacer Prasidh Krishna in India’s World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

In a massive blow for Rohit Sharma & Co., star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Cricket World Cup due to the ankle injury he sustained in the match against Bangladesh.

Hardik Pandya’s absence forced India to make changes to their playing combination as India now play with a combination of six specialist batters, one all-rounder, and four specialist bowlers.

The BCCI selection committee decided to include fast bowler Prasidh Krishna in the World Cup squad after Pandya was ruled out. This raised a few eyebrows as some felt that an all-rounder like Axar Patel, who was initially in the 15-man squad for the World Cup, or Deepak Chahar should have been included in the team.

Why Hardik Pandya Was Replaced By Prasidh Krishna? Rahul Dravid Reveals

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, November 4, Rahul Dravid said that they wanted a backup for their pacers which is why Krishna was called up to replace Pandya.

“After Hardik has been injured, we have played with three quicks. In reserves, we had a backup for spin and all-rounder but needed a backup for a fast bowler,” Rahul Dravid said.

Dravid hilariously added that they lack a sixth bowling option in the team, but have a wrong-footed inswinger menace in Virat Kohli, who can chip in with a few overs if and when needed. He said:

“Yes, we don’t have the option to have a sixth proper bowler but we have a wrong-footed inswinger menace whom we can back for a couple of overs. He was close to doing so in the last game with the crowd pushing him to do so. The response of the team and the players have been really good.”

The Men In Blue will go head-to-head with the South Africa National Cricket Team on Sunday, November 5 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.