Hardik Pandya has become the most dependable pace bowling all-rounder for India. He has also grown into a reliable finisher post MS Dhoni retirement. He got injured while playing against Bangladesh, in CWC 2023. He fell on his foot and he hurt his ankle. He had to miss out next two games against New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka. Mohammed Shami came in his place and cemented his position.
Now, India is playing an extra batter and bowler to compensate for him. Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami came into the team as they are looking confident with them. Many fans hoped for Hardik Pandya in time for Semi-Final. But he has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament. Prasidh Krishna has been replaced in the squad for Hardik Pandya.
Head Coach Rahul Dravid stated that the team needed an extra bowler as Hardik Pandya bowls well for India. He stated that the rationale behind it has been obvious for Technical committee. He stated that they need a combination of three pacers and two spinners. As they have back-up for spin, they have brought in back-up for pace. We have to wait and see, if they will include him for last group match against Netherlands.