Cricket World Cup 2023 Update: In a significant blow to the Indian cricket team’s campaign in the 2023 World Cup, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed this disheartening news on a Saturday announcement, leaving cricket fans around the world in disappointment. To fill the void left by Hardik, fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has been drafted into the team as his replacement.
Hardik Pandya‘s journey in the World Cup came to an abrupt halt during a match against Bangladesh in Pune on 19th October when he sustained a debilitating injury. His exit from the field, limping and in pain, raised concerns about his ability to return to the tournament. Regrettably, he was unable to participate in the subsequent match, and the realization has now dawned that he won’t be making a comeback in this World Cup.
#HardikPandya ruled out of #ICCCricketWorldCup. Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has approved Prasidh Krishna as a replacement for Hardik Pandya in the India squad.@tapasjournalist pic.twitter.com/VQrFwPy1pP
— DD News (@DDNewslive) November 4, 2023
Anticipation was high that the dynamic all-rounder would stage a comeback after recovering from his injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team management held onto the hope that Hardik Pandya would regain his fitness as he underwent treatment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Millions of fans were eager for his return, particularly with the semi-final match on the horizon. However, the grim news of his continued unavailability has shattered those hopes.
Initially, it appeared that Hardik had sustained a standard ankle injury. However, subsequent assessments revealed a more severe issue involving the ligament. His injury was classified as Grade 1, which suggested a recovery period of 10 to 15 days. Unfortunately, this setback has cost Hardik Pandya a significant opportunity to shine on the world stage, and the Indian cricket team will undoubtedly feel the absence of their star all-rounder.