NEW DELHI: In a significant setback to the unbeaten host nation’s pursuit of a third Cricket World Cup title, Hardik Pandya, India’s versatile all-rounder and vice-captain, has been declared unfit for the competition. The 30-year-old sustained a left ankle injury during India’s triumphant seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Pune last month. His valiant struggle to regain fitness in time for the tournament’s critical knockout stages has unfortunately proven unsuccessful.
In the interim, Hardik Pandya was absent from crucial matches against New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka, as Team India continued its remarkable winning streak, emerging unscathed in all seven games played throughout the tournament.
With Pandya sidelined, Mohammed Shami has been a pivotal player in all three matches, amassing an impressive tally of 14 wickets, which includes two five-wicket hauls. As a result, the two-time champions have become the first team to secure a spot in the semi-finals with two matches to spare.
Pacer Prasidh Krishna has been called up as Pandya’s replacement, following the ICC tournament technical committee’s approval. The 27-year-old boasts 17 one-day internationals under his belt and 29 wickets to his name.
India is set to face South Africa in Kolkata on Sunday, with a match against the Netherlands scheduled for Nov. 12 in Bengaluru.
The upcoming semifinal is slated for Mumbai on Nov. 15, barring a showdown with archrival Pakistan in the last four, which would move the game to Kolkata on Nov. 16.
