With Team India scheduled to lock horns against New Zealand in Dharamshala on October 22 (Sunday), captain Rohit Sharma is facing a huge selection dilemma after all-rounder Hardik Pandya suffered an ankle injury in the match against Bangladesh. Hardik is set to miss the match against New Zealand and will undergo treatment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. So who will replace the 'most important' player in the playing XI for the upcoming match?
Well, Rohit has two options up his sleeve and it depends on whether the Indian skipper wants to bolster the batting line-up or the bowling attack.
If Rohit wants to strengthen the batting line-up then Suryakumar Yadav can replace Hardik in the playing XI and occupy the No.6 position in the batting order. Including Suryakumar would not be an easy decision as that would leave India with just five bowling options.
On the other hand, if Rohit wants security in the bowling department then Ravichandran Ashwin can get the nod as the veteran cricketer can contribute handily with the bat along with his stifling off-spinners. If this happens then Rohit will have six bowling options at his disposal.
There is another interesting combination that could bode well for the Men in Blue. Including Suryakumar in place of Hardik and Mohammed Shami in place of Shardul might be the best combination during the star all-rounder's absence.
The conditions in Dharamshala will be conducive to fast bowlers and Shami has just the skillset to exploit it. Even that would leave India with just five bowling options but all five bowlers would be more than capable of making a match-changing impact.
Six quality batters, including Suryakumar, one all-rounder in Ravindra Jadeja and four pure bowlers might just the best way to move ahead in Hardik's absence.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Hardik Pandya Injury: Huge blow for India as all-rounder flies to Bengaluru for treatment, to miss this many matches
IND vs BAN: Sunil Gavaskar tears into two Indian stars despite India's commanding win over Bangladesh
