ICC World Cup 2023: Who will fill the void of Hardik Pandya?

Hardik Padnya (Pic: File Pic)

Match 17 of the ICC World Cup 2023 between India and Bangladesh was played in Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. In this Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first against India. They had set a target of 257 runs for India to chase. India's Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami had two wickets each under their belt.

However, India's top and middle batting order displayed an extraordinary show with the willow against Bangladesh. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma scored 48 runs missing his third consecutive fifty in the tournament just by two runs, Young opener Shubman Gill smashed 53 runs. India's 'chase-master' Virat Kohli completed his 78th international century and won the match for India by hitting a six at the end. Kohli went on to score an unbeaten 103 runs. Accompanying him was KL Rahul who played a knock of 34 runs.

Also Read: There is real intent: Nasser Hussain on India's winning run

Team India registered its fourth consecutive win in the ICC World Cup 2023 by seven wickets. But, during the match India had to face a huge blow of Hardik Pandya. The star all-rounder injured himself during his spell against Bangladesh on Thursday. He had to stop bowling as he was limping and Virat Kohli needed to roll his arm to complete his over. Pandya was then taken for scans after he sustained the injury.

He is now ruled out for the clash against New Zealand on Sunday, The absence of Hardik Pandya leaves the question of filling the void in the team. Pandya provided the option of batting in the lower middle order and a medium fast bowler in the team.

The absence of the all-rounder will be a concern for Team India. The available players to take Hardik Pandya's place are Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.

If Mohammed Shami gets a chance in the team then the only option he can provide is in the fast bowling department. With Suryakumar Yadav, comes the batting option in the lower middle order. If Ishan Kishan secures the place, then there will be another wicketkeeper-batsman added to the team.

The only option left now is Ravichandran Ashwin. With Ashwin securing his spot in the team provides the option of a spin bowler and a batsman in the lower middle order. The veteran all-rounder has immense experience in the cricketing world and has the quality of an all-rounder that Team India is looking for in the current situation.

Who will fill the emptiness of Hardik Pandya in the team ahead of the clash against the Kiwis in the ICC World Cup 2023 will be a point to look out for.