Players who can replace injured Hardik Pandya for India vs New Zealand | ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Prolific India all-rounder Hardik Pandya limped away during the first innings of the World Cup match between India and Bangladesh on October 19.

Skipper Rohit Sharma has stated that the injury is not too serious after Pandya was taken for scans adding that they will assess it everyday and do everything required.

But with India's next game just two days away, if the need arises, who can take Hardik's place in India's XI?

A pacer with the ability to bat lower down the order would be the perfect choice. However, India lack another option similar to the 30-year-old but perhaps the Men in Blue will have to make two changes instead of one.

Mohammed Shami

The senior pacer is yet to play a game in this World Cup. With Pandya's injury, it is likely that Shami could be included in the next Playing XI as India's fourth pace-bowling option.

Suryakumar Yadav

To combat Hardik's batting skills, 33-year-old SKY will be the ideal fit. Coming in at no. 6 has been beneficial for Yadav as he has played his best ODI knock in that position. In 9 outings as India's no. 6, Yadav has amassed 264 runs at a strike-rate of 117. However, bringing in Surya would mean no 6th bowling option for Team India.

Ishan Kishan

The other option is to have Ishan Kishan, a left-hander, who provides a different dimension to a top-order full of right-handers.

Ravichandran Ashwin or Shardul Thakur

To persist with batting depth coupled with bowling, India have two options in veteran Ravichandran Ashwin and all-rounder Shardul Thakur.

While Thakur has played the last 3 matches, the question remains if Ashwin the spinner would be the right choice on the Dharamsala wicket.

Thakur's batting is a necessity now, he will most likely keep his place but with him not being as effective as the third pacer, Shami being a specialist might give the team more edge.

(with PTI inputs)

Also Read: Hardik Pandya injury update: All-rounder to be taken to Bengaluru, to miss IND vs NZ: report | World Cup