Hardik Pandya ruled out of New Zealand match at Dharamsala in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 due to his knee injury. He has been taken to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Not having Hardik in that crucial game is a big blow for Team India. Finding the actual replacement of Pandya is also a crucial job for team management. Many cricketing experts suggesting to take R Ashwin in the squad will be a safe decision. But Indian great, Harbhajan Singh thinks something else.
Harbhajan feels it would be wise to pick Mohammed Shami instead of Ravichandran Ashwin in New Zealand match. According to him, Dharamsala pitch has offered more swing than any other venue in this World Cup 2023 so far. So, taking a seamer will be a wise decision. Harbhajan also wants Sky or Ishan Kishan in the squad to strengthen the batting line-up. Where, Shami in place of Shardul Thakur, can manage a solid 10 overs significant bowling.
Harbhajan said, “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 solid 10 overs.”
In Bangladesh match, Hardik injured himself at the time of bowling his first and India’s 9th over. Hardik tried to stop Litton Das’s straight drive in his follow through. But unfortunately his ankle got twisted. He had to leave the field. Virat Kohli finished that remaining over. On friday BCCI said, “Hardik will not be taking the flight to Dharamsala with the team on 20th October and will now join the team directly in Lucknow where India play England.” BCCI also said, “He is advised rest and will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI medical team.”