'Either Play Ishan Kishan or Suryakumar Yadav..': Ex-IND Legend Suggests 2 Changes in Hardik Pandya's Absence

Hardik Pandya’s ankle injury ahead of India’s ODI World Cup 2023 clash against New Zealand will make the Kiwis challenge a lot more daunting for the Men in Blue. India have not managed to beat the BlackCaps in ICC events since 2003 and they will face a huge setback as Pandya has not travelled to Dharamsala with the rest of the team, and is thus set to miss the clash against the table-toppers.

New Zealand will also be without their captain Kane Williamson who suffered an injury to his left thumb during their win over Bangladesh.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma revealed that Hardik didn’t sustain a serious injury, and will continue to be assessed with each passing day. Pandya twisted his ankle during India’s 7-wicket win over the Bangla Tigers in Pune.

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He tried to stop the ball from going out for a four with an outstretched leg but slipped and was immediately seen hobbling. Pandya was subsequently taken off the field and he didn’t return to the field later in the game.

A day later, BCCI revealed that Hardik will not be playing against New Zealand, and former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that India will be forced into making a few changes in their playing XI since Pandya would no longer be available.

Harbhajan suggested Rohit Sharma to give a chance to either Ishan Kishan or Suryakumar Yadav at number 6, and also bring in Mohammad Shami who will take up bowling duties alongside the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav.

“It’s a big issue for India if Hardik Pandya is not fit. He sets our combination and if he doesn’t play then you will have to change it. You can either play Ishan Kishan or Suryakumar Yadav as a pure batter,” the spin wizard told Aaj Tak.

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“We are playing Shardul Thakur because of his all-rounder abilities. I think you should bring Mohammed Shami in his place as he can give you solid 10 overs,” he added.

While India have won all of their four games in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 so far, New Zealand also come into this game on a four-game winning streak. The Kiwis have played some fearsome cricket so far and will give India a tough challenge. The two table-toppers are set to lock horns on Sunday, October 22 at the HPCA Stadium.