IND vs SA: Ramiz Raja, Matthew Hayden, Simon Doull, React As Hardik Pandya Gets Ruled Out Of World Cup

High-flying Team India have suffered a big blow ahead of the semifinals of the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 as their star allrounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.

The ICC confirmed the news on Saturday (November 4), stating that the allrounder has been replaced by Prasidh Krishna in the India squad. The India star suffered an ankle injury while fielding during the game against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19.

He ended up twisting his ankle while trying to stop a straight drive from Litton Das in his follow-through. He had to walk off the field straightaway and did not return to the field again for the remainder of the game. And while he was expected to be fit in time ahead of the semifinals, things have not really unfolded in a manner the team management and the player would have anticipated.

Experts on Hardik Pandya’s injury:

In Hardik Pandya’s absence, India did not need his services much. The high-flying hosts beat the likes of New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka with utmost ease. However, many believe that missing the allrounder would for the crucial semifinal and the potential final would be a huge blow for Team India. And several experts have also shared their views on the same.

Speaking to Star Sports, former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull said: “I do feel for Hardik Pandya. He is such a crucial part of the Indian side but has been down with injuries time and time again. It is a shame to miss a home World Cup because it doesn’t come around that often and he will be bitterly disappointed. From a team point of view, those five bowlers that they have been using will be the five bowlers that they are going to get through this tournament.

“It slightly shortens their batting line-up, but what I saw the other day was that they play a little more conservatively which I don’t mind through that middle period. Rohit Sharma is still going to get them off to a flying start. He has been playing a bit of selfless cricket. It changes a bit on how they play a bit because they don’t have that security of an extra bowler. But these five bowlers, I’m not sure if I have seen a better bowling attack in World Cup cricket from any side, anywhere, at any time in the tournament,” he added.

On the other hand, Matthew Hayden said that India would be fine without the all-rounder, leaving others in splits. He pointed out that Mohammed Shami has been doing well with the ball since returning to the playing eleven after Hardik Pandya’s injury. The pacer has picked up 14 wickets in just 3 innings including two five-wicket hauls.

“Doull is basically saying they are fine, thank you very much. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer coming back to form gives Rohit Sharma a bit more certainty. But I think they are fine. Shami is so good at the moment now…can you believe that spell. Yes Sri Lanka had an off day but that spell was superb. The skill set reminds me of Malcom Marshall. He used to just run in and kiss the deck and manipulate the seam in certain direction, he was a master,” he said.

Former Pakistan batter Ramiz Raja was also a part of the discussion and said: “Hardik Pandya vice captaincy will also not be available for the Indian team, but they are a formidable unit. Shami…from the bench to where he is now, it just shows the ability of this Indian team. Shami, Bumrah, Siraj, all can bowl with the new ball. I actually compare them with the Windies of the 80s. Relentless pressure and deadly dangerous.”