'Tough to digest...': Hardik Pandya devasted after being ruled out of World Cup 2023

Team India has endured a huge setback as star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out from the remainder of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.  Pandya sustained an ankle injury while bowling during the match against Bangladesh on October 19, 2023, and since then has been out of action. While hopes were spiraling high about his return, on Saturday it was made official that Hardik will not be able to take further part in the competition.

3 things you need to know

• Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury
• Prasidh Krishna has been named as the replacement for Hardik Pandya
• Team India is already through to the semi-final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023

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Hardik Pandya reacts after being ruled out of ICC ODI World Cup 2023

Following a heartbreaking send-off from the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, Hardik Pandya has reacted to the "tough to digest" update and expressed his dejection. He made it known that his teamsmanship would remain intact. He thanked the fans for their continuous support and hoped that India's upcoming run would be filled with glory.

"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", wrote Pandya on X.

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Who would fill in for Hardik Pandya?

With the balance he offers with both bat and ball, Hardik Pandya's absence is a huge blow to Team India. However, there is a World Cup to be won and hence Rohit Sharma would have to show faith in the bench strength to come up with the goods. India have played 3 matches since Pandya got out injured and won all three of them with convincing margins. Mohammed Shami and Suryakumar Yadav have received the emergency call-ups in the team, and so far Shami has withstood the confidence he has been shown, picking up 14 wickets in just 3 matches. Suryakumar Yadav's form on the other hand remains a cause of concern. So, with two games still to go in the round-robin stage and a semi-final and potentially a final to be followed, the replacement- Prasidh Krishna (If he gets the chance)- as well as the other premier players have to deliver their A-game and have to look past this setback.