Who Should Come In For Hardik Pandya?

Hardik Pandya replacement options, Who Should Come In For Hardik Pandya, Hardik Pandya Injury Today Match, Hardik Pandya Ankle Injury Today Match, IND vs BAN Hardik Pandya Injury  Update, Hardik Pandya Injury News and Update.

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India seemed to have everything going in for them ahead of the game against Bangladesh. Their team balance was everyone’s envy in the tournament. The presence of two world-class allrounders at 6 and 7 made India’s life easy. It provided India the luxury of fielding an extra batter and an extra bowler. 

Hardik Pandya replacement options in World Cup 2023 after Hardik Pandya’s injury today:

They were flying high with 3 wins in 3 games. But India’s plans hit a pole when Hardik Pandya bowling his first over against Bangladesh suffered an ankle injury. He tried stopping the ball with his outstretched leg and in the process twisted his ankle. Hardik Pandya was carried off the field with him not able to play a further part in Bangladesh’s innings. If Pandya’s injury is a serious one it puts India’s carefully laid out plans in jeopardy.

We look at potential replacements for Hardik Pandya:

#4 Shivam Dube

He was another player who represented India in the Asian Games. Shivam Dube might appear to be a left-field selection but there is merit in this discussion. He showed his power-hitting range in the IPL. It was Dube’s exploits in the middle overs that played a pivotal part in CSK’s championship win. He can absolutely clobber spin of any variety. His batting against pace remains a work in progress while his bowling might not be the greatest. Yet he offers dynamism to a squad with his big-hitting ability. 

#3 Washington Sundar

He was another spin-bowling allrounder who was in contention for a World Cup spot. India preferred Ashwin’s experience over Sundar in the end. Sundar can be someone who can quietly deliver 5-6 overs every game. He can be a useful option down the order but his batting may not match up to the standards of Pandya. It will be this factor that might work against him.

#2 Axar Patel

He was named in the World Cup squad before an ill-timed injury forced him out of the tournament. India later picked Ravichandran Ashwin as his replacement. Patel was one of India’s key members especially lower down the order. He showed his worth in the game against Bangladesh at the Asia Cup. Patel has improved his batting skills quite significantly in the last 12-18 months. 

He could directly slot into the 15-member squad and if needed can also be drafted into the playing XI. Ravindra Jadeja can move up a spot at number 6 or Patel could also come in at that number. The only switch between Pandya and Patel will be the seam-to-spin allrounder.

#1 Tilak Varma

India made a bold selection for the 2023 Asia Cup wherein they drafted an uncapped Tilak Varma into the mix. He played a game against Bangladesh but it was a forgettable outing for the youngster. Varma soon played in the Asian Games and came up with a top performance in the semis. He can easily roll over his arm and play the role of the sixth bowler decently. Varma is a frontline batter who has a solid power game against both pace and spin. His off-spin might just prove to be a clincher if India needs a replacement.