ICC ODI World Cup 2023: Hardik Pandya to play against Netherlands

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been injured while bowling against Bangladesh in the World Cup 2023, though India’s bowling attack is doing well, especially Mohammed Shami, who has provided strength to the bowling line-up and assisted Jasprit Bumrah in recent matches. In fact, in the last match against England, the two displayed the prowess of their bowling skills, due to which India won against the defending champions by 100 runs, bundling out England’s team by 129 runs.

Hardik Pandya will miss the next two matches for India as well; he will not be seen either against Sri Lanka or South Africa. There are chances that he will be seen in India’s last league stage match against the Netherlands, as he required more time to recover from the ankle injury. The Indian team management and the bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, are confident that he will make a comeback soon. Currently, Hardik Pandya is at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. Earlier, it was speculated that he would be joining the team in the England match, but that didn’t happen.

“The medical team is looking at that and are very much in touch with Hardik and the NCA (National Cricket Academy) as well. We’re hoping to get an update in a couple of days,”
Paras Mhambrey on Hardik Pandya

To compensate for Hardik Pandya’s absence, Surya Kumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami were included in the playing XI, and so far they haven’t disappointed with their performance in the match against England. Surya Kumar Yadav batted well to take India’s score to a respectful total. Though he missed his first fifty in the ODI World Cup by just 1 run, he showed the doubters that he can bat in an uncomfortable situation as well. Now, team management would have to decide who they wanted to drop after Pandya’s return.