ICC World Cup 2023 – Hardik Pandya ruled out of World Cup, Prasidh Krishna replaces him in India squad

Pandya had injured himself last month when he appeared to twist his left ankle while trying to stop a shot in his follow-through. He played no further part in that match, and was taken for scans.

He missed India’s matches against New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka. India have two more league games to go, having already booked a semi-final berth.

ESPNcricinfo understands Pandya suffered ligament damage on his ankle, which was found out ahead of India’s win against England, and he has since been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

Prasidh, who has 29 wickets from 17 matches in the format, last played for India in two ODIs against Australia in the series held just before the World Cup. He took three wickets in those games.

Prasidh also took five wickets in as many games in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Karnataka.

Prasidh had marked his return from a long injury layoff when India toured Ireland in August and was part of the Asia Cup squad, although he was largely part of the bench and only played the dead rubber against Bangladesh.

India have so far replaced Pandya’s all-round abilities by bringing in Suryakumar Yadav at No. 6 and Mohammed Shami in place of Shardul Thakur, and it has been a combination that has worked for them.

Heading into their match against South Africa at the Eden Gardens, India remain the only unbeaten team in the World Cup, topping the league table with seven wins in as many games.