IND vs AUS 1st ODI: Hardik Pandya: Shreyas Iyer’s absence will affect World Cup preparations. He also answered the question about Jasprit Bumrah being out for a long time.

The preparations for the last ODI World Cup will be affected:-

India’s stand-in captain Hardik Pandya said here on Thursday that the absence of injured Shreyas Iyer will impact India’s preparations for the ODI World Cup later this year.

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Iyer has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Australia starting on Friday due to a back injury.

There is no fixed time limit for when he will be able to return. He is also likely to be ruled out of the opening matches of the Indian Premier League.

Hardik Pandya sends heartfelt message to Jasprit Bumrah after pacer gets  ruled out of T20 World Cup - India Today

Wishing Shreyas Iyer a speedy recovery:-

Hardik Pandya told reporters on the eve of the first ODI, “Definitely there is no deadline for his (Shreyas Iyer) return but we are hoping for the best. We wish him a speedy recovery. ,

He said, “His (Iyer’s) absence will have an impact and of course we will miss him but if he does not come back soon then we will have to find a solution.”

If he is in the team then it is welcome but if he doesn’t then there is a lot of time to consider how we want to move forward.

India’s list of injured players also includes fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who recently underwent back surgery in New Zealand. His target is to make a comeback till the World Cup.

Shubman and Ishaan Kishan will open the innings:-

Hardik Pandya said, “There is no such long-term plan. Jassi (Bumrah) has not been with the team for some time now. Our bowling group is playing well. They are all experienced now.

Having Jassi makes a big difference but to be honest, we are not too worried about it because the players who have taken over the role of Jassi, I am sure they will do well.”

India will play in the first ODI without regular skipper Rohit Sharma who has been ruled out due to family commitments.

Pandya said that in his absence, Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill will open the innings.

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He said, “Ishan and Shubman will open the innings. The wicket looks the same throughout the year. I have been playing here for almost seven years. It will be challenging as the wicket will give equal opportunities to both the teams.