Cricket News
3 players likely to replace Hardik Pandya in India’s playing XI for remaining ODI World Cup 2023 clash
Team India has won all four games of the ODI World Cup 2023 so far. Notably, the Men in Blue defeated five-time world champions Australia in their opening game, whereas they beat Afghanistan in their second game. Rohit Sharma and Co. thrashed arch-rivals Pakistan on October 14 before upsetting Bangladesh in their recent clash.
The Men in Blue will be facing New Zealand on October 22 in Dharamshala for their fifth clash of the ODI World Cup 2023. However, Hardik Pandya is likely to miss the game against the Black Caps owing to the injuries he sustained against Bangladesh on October 19 at MCA in Pune.
Notably, there is no clarity as to whether the ace all-rounder will be available for the remaining games or not. Meanwhile, check out the three players who can replace Hardik Pandya in the remaining games of the ODI World Cup 2023 if he is unavailable.
#1. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin (Source – Twitter)
The great all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin is at the top of the list of players who can replace him in the Playing XI. The 37-year-old cricketer provides an all-round option for the Men in Blue. Notably, the off-spinner only appeared during India’s opening game against Australia, where he had scalped two wickets and helped the team reduce Australia to a narrow score, and this time, he is also expected to perform well in the next clashes in the absence of Gujarat Titans captain.
#2. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami (Source – Twitter)
The great seamer is likely to replace Hardik Pandya owing to his magnificent form. Notably, the GT bowler hasn’t played any games of the ODI World Cup 2023, despite some magnificent performances during the 2019 ODI World Cup. The 33-year-old was last seen in action during India’s recent series against Australia ahead of the marquee event. The right-arm pacer showed his lethal form during the series and grabbed a 5-wicket haul in the first ODI against the Aussies.
#3. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav (Source – Twitter)
The star cricketer may replace him owing to his ability to hit the shots in the middle order. Notably, the Mumbai Indians star hasn’t gotten any opportunity to play in the ODI World Cup 2023 owing to his low records in the 50-over formats. However, the 33-year-old was looking into his solid form in the recently concluded series against Australia, so he may also get the nod to replace Hardik Pandya.