Star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya opened up after he was ruled out from the remainder of the ongoing 2023 ODI World Cup on November 4 (Saturday). Hardik admitted that it will be a tough pill to swallow that he won't be part of the World Cup anymore but he vowed to cheer for the 'special' team that is gunning to end their ICC trophy drought.
"Tough to digest the fact that I will miss out on the remaining part of the World Cup. I'll be with the team, in spirit, cheering them on every ball of every game. Thanks for all the wishes, the love, and the support has been incredible. This team is special and I'm sure we'll make everyone proud. Love, always, HP," Hardik wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Prasidh Krishna was named as the replacement for Hardik Pandya. With just 19 white-ball appearances for India to his name, Krishna returns to the international stage following his notable performance against Australia, where he claimed the prized wicket of David Warner and registered figures of 1/45 in nine overs just before the World Cup.
Hardik Pandya injury
Team India players and its fans wore distressed looks on their faces after Hardik limped off the ground during the ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on October 19 (Thursday). The incident occurred in the 9th over of Bangladesh's innings, which was also Hardik's first over of his spell, when the Indian all-rounder tried to stop the ball with his foot and slipped. While attempting an awkward save, Hardik suffered a painful and scary injury to his left foot.
The Indian players rushed to Hardik, who was seen holding Virat Kohli's hands in order to stand upright. He was seen in visible pain and refrained from putting any weight on his left foot initially. The team physio ran onto the ground from the dressing and attended to Hardik. After a lengthy delay in which heavy strapping was done on Hardik's shin and ankle.
After getting treated on the left foot and ankle, Hardik tried a dummy run-up but looked in agonising pain before deciding to walk off the field in order to obtain further care for the injury. Hardik bowled just three balls and was hit for two consecutive boundaries before he returned to the dressing room.
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