India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the rest of the ICC World Cup 2023 with an ankle injury, it was announced Saturday.
The 30-year-old damaged his left ankle while bowling during unbeaten tournament hosts India’s ICC World Cup 2023 win against Bangladesh in Pune last month and it has now been confirmed he will be unable to take any further part in the event.
Following prolonged on-field treatment, he tried running in to bowl but could only hobble towards the crease and eventually limped off the field.
India won the match by seven wickets, with Pandya playing no part in the match after suffering the aforementioned injury.
Pandya’s injury, however, paved the way for Mohammed Shami’s return to the side, with the paceman having since taken 14 wickets in three matches at a stunningly low average of 6.71.
Prasidh Krishna, who has appeared in just 19 white-ball internationals for India, will now take Pandya’s place in a 15-man squad.
But the 27-year-old fast-medium bowler will do well to break into a formidable India pace attack of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Shami.
India, already into the semi-finals, will look to maintain their perfect start against South Africa in Kolkata on Sunday.
