News filtered through on the morning of November 4, 2023, Saturday, confirming what many Indian cricket fans had feared. Hardik Pandya, having sustained an injury in an early ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh, was confirmed to be out for the remainder of the tournament. ICC and Pandya later confirmed the same, with the latter using his social media account to reveal his disappointment. (Streaming | Key Battles | Full Coverage)
Pandya wrote the following:
"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," He wrote.
India have roped in pacer Prasidh Krishna as Pandya's replacement for the rest of the Cricket World Cup. Krishna, who has just 17 One Day Internationals under his belt, is vastly inexperienced compared to Pandya and is expected to provide backup to the in-form Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah.
India, meanwhile, are already through to the semi-finals of the competition, becoming the first team to achieve the feat. The Men in Blue take on South Africa next on November 5, 2023, in a battle of the top two teams in the league stage.
