World Cup 2023: Big blow to India, Hardik Pandya out of England match also
World Cup 2023, Hardik Pandya: The problem is not ending for India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Pandya has been ruled out of the second consecutive match of the ongoing World Cup 2023, which India has to play against England on October 29.
Hardik Pandya was injured against Bangladesh:-
Let us tell you that Hardik Pandya suffered an ankle injury in Pune when India was playing its fourth match of the World Cup against Bangladesh. Pandya is still recovering from his ankle injury.
After the match against Bangladesh, India captain Rohit Sharma had said that Hardik has “not suffered any major damage” and the all-rounder has been sent to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for treatment. After this, Hardik could not play in the New Zealand match, BCCI was hopeful that he would join the team in Lucknow.
Great performance of India against New Zealand :-
To compensate for Hardik Pandya’s all-round skills, India played Suryakumar Yadav against New Zealand and replaced Shardul Thakur with Mohammed Shami. Suryakumar was run out for 2 runs. But Shami, playing his first match in this World Cup, took five wickets. This helped India to restrict New Zealand to a score of less than 300.
However, in the match between India and England to be played in Lucknow, the pitch is expected to help the spinners. In such a situation, India can consider bringing R Ashwin in place of Shami. This move will also provide support to the lower order batting.
Also Read:- IND vs AUS T20 Series: Rahul Dravid’s contract will end with the World Cup; Laxman can be in charge
Do or die for England :-
India currently top the points table; and are the only unbeaten team in the tournament with wins in five out of five matches. This match is very important for England because England is already at ninth position in the points table after losing four out of its five matches. Another defeat could knock England out of the World Cup.
This included one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history as England suffered a crushing 69-run defeat to Afghanistan. Now it will be interesting to see whether England will remain in the race to reach the semi-finals with their second win in the World Cup or India will continue their winning streak.
