The Ideal Replacements for Hardik Pandya at World Cup 2023

During his first over against Bangladesh in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Hardik Pandya hurt his ankle. He was introduced in the ninth over of the game and had to leave after only three balls. He has already proven his worth in the present World Cup, taking five wickets at an outstanding 22.60 average. The 30-year-old has been plagued by injuries over the years, and he may be ruled out of the rest of the World Cup. It will be a major loss for India since a fast-bowling all-rounder of his caliber is difficult to replace.

Replacements for Hardik Pandya at World Cup 2023

Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav, a former Mumbai Indians teammate, is the ideal like-for-like substitute for Hardik Pandya in the batting department. While Suryakumar’s presence may necessitate the use of a specialist bowler like Mohammed Shami rather than Shardul Thakur or Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s batting should be unaffected. Despite struggling in ODIs until recently, the 33-year-old seemed to have found his place at No.6 in India’s recent 2-1 series victory over Australia. Suryakumar made a critical 49-ball 50 in a close run chase in the first ODI at Mohali, followed by a completely different innings in the second game at Indore.

Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan was chosen for the Indian World Cup roster because of his exceptional ability to begin the batting, bat in the middle order, and maintain wickets. It elevated him to the top replacement option in the event of an injury to any hitter in the lineup. In that sense, the southpaw may fill in for Hardik Pandya as a floater, providing the lone left-hander in India’s top six. Kishan’s participation instead of Hardik might be more beneficial against New Zealand, given the Kiwi lineup’s two left-arm spinners, Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra.

In the absence of Shubman Gill, the 25-year-old opened India’s first two games against Australia and Afghanistan. As a result, the World Cup stage and atmosphere should not be scary for the teenager if he is selected to face New Zealand. At the recent Asia Cup, Kishan batted at No.5 against Pakistan, and his left-handedness proved useful against their spinners. Indian innings went from 48/3 to 266 after he scored 82 off 81 deliveries.

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Ravichandran Ashwin

Every time Team India plays, the question of who plays at No.8 is constantly debated between Ravichandran Ashwin and Shardul Thakur. In the absence of Hardik Pandya, both bowling all-rounders might be called up to the playing XI if India needs extra bowling support. In the batting order, Ravindra Jadeja will bat at No. 6, Ashwin will bat at No. 7, and Thakur will bat at No. 8. Given Jadeja’s increased batting abilities and Team India’s in-form top order, having six bowling options available may be advantageous. The fact that the left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder has yet to bat in the World Cup demonstrates the top five’s form.

Washington Sundar

Ravichandran Ashwin is the favorite to replace Hardik Pandya in the Indian World Cup lineup in 2023. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja have both bowled brilliantly thus far in the competition. As a result, adding another spinner to the mix makes sense. Adding Washington Sundar to the squad would provide depth since there will be another spinner in the lineup. He not only provides a terrific bowling option, but he is also an excellent batsman. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that he can bump up the order if necessary.

Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur have been India’s top-speed bowlers in terms of batting in recent years. If needed, they can deliver a few lusty blows towards the end of the innings. Deepak Chahar might be a good addition to the squad if Hardik Pandya is ruled out. He won’t need to bat with Thakur, but he’ll be an excellent backup for the Mumbai bowler. By replacing a bowling all-rounder with a batting all-rounder, India will retain the shape of the squad.

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Tilak Verma

Tilak Verma has been a standout for the Mumbai Indians throughout the previous two IPL seasons. His maiden call-up to the Indian national side was made earlier this year, and he has already represented his country in ODIs and T20Is. Despite his unconventional nature, he might be an excellent option for Hardik Pandya for the duration of the World Cup. Verma possesses an X element that the Indian middle order will be lacking if Pandya is ruled out of the World Cup. Not only does he have some bat speed, but he is also a competent part-time bowler. Verma benefits from the fact that the present Indian lineup lacks a batter who can bowl a few overs.

Mohammed Shami

However, because Dharamshala is known for providing help to pacers, the Indian squad may consider upgrading Shardul Thakur to the number 7 batter. Shardul has recently struggled with the ball. Reducing Shardul’s bowling workload and increasing his batting responsibilities might benefit both Shardul and India. Thakur’s game may improve with less pressure. In such a circumstance, having Mohammed Shami in the playing XI might be beneficial to India. The new ball suits the right-arm pacer quite well. Shami possesses an excellent seam position and is a natural outswinger. Shami can help India get wickets in the middle overs. The right-arm pacer can provide strong support to Bumrah in the death overs. It would be suitable for Shami’s bowling style in Dharamshala.

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