Hardik Pandya out of Men’s ODI WC, Prasidh Krishna joins India squad as replacement

India’s campaign in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has encountered a setback with the exit of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya due to his ankle injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament.

Pandya sustained a left ankle injury while bowling in India’s World Cup match against Bangladesh held in Pune last month, compelling his absence for the rest of the games.

Following the unfortunate development, the Event Technical Committee of the tournament has given approval for Prasidh Krishna to join the India squad as Pandya’s replacement, as confirmed by the ICC on Saturday.

Krishna, known for his limited 19 white-ball appearances for India, was last in action at the international level during a match against Australia just before the World Cup, where he claimed the significant wicket of David Warner while conceding 45 runs in nine overs.

The process of a player replacement necessitates approval from the Event Technical Committee before the player can be officially added to the squad.

With the Event Technical Committee’s endorsement of India’s replacement player, it positions Prasidh Krishna as a potential candidate for selection in the crucial World Cup match against South Africa scheduled for Sunday.

India and South Africa, presently leading the World Cup standings, are set to face off, and the victorious team in the upcoming match in Kolkata will likely secure the top spot in the group stage of the tournament.

-IANS