Cricket World Cup 2023: Who Could Replace Hardik Pandya Against New Zealand?

India's ever-dependent all-rounder Hardik Pandya picked up an injury during the match against Bangladesh on Thursday and will miss the next match of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup against New Zealand on Sunday. "He 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," the BCCI said. Hardik, the vice-captain, hurt his left ankle while trying to stop the ball with his foot and was taken out of the field by the support staff. He was later flown to the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore for treatment.

India, with four wins in four matches, have the momentum to go all the way this time but an injury to Hardik is bound to shake the team combination as the 2011 champions lack a like-for-like replacement, who can bowl seam and contribute with the bat as well.

Hardik plays a unique role in the Indian cricket team as having him gives India a sixth bowling option and a quality batter. Before the injury, the medium-pacer had bowled 16 overs and scalped five wickets in the first three World Cup matches.

"He's a proper fast bowler, who can crank up good speed. So that gives us an advantage. That gives us that luxury of playing three spinners and three seamers as well," Rohit had earlier commented on Hardik's importance to the team.

Who could replace Hardik Pandya?

India have the option of bringing in Suryakumar Yadav or Ishan Kishan, both of whom are specialist batters.

While Suryakumar Yadav can accelerate the innings quickly, Ishan Kishan, who scored 47 against Afghanistan on October 11, gives India a left-handed batting option.

However, this will reduce Rohit Sharma's bowling options to just five, leaving no room for variation.

If