It is being reported that Hardik Pandya might miss the next two games in the 2023 ODI World Cup. It would be a massive blow for Team India. Considering he is an injury-prone cricketer, the management must ensure that there are sufficient backups if Hardik’s fitness does not improve. Here, we take a look at three players India must have on reserve in case Hardik Pandya gets ruled out of the World Cup.
1) Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma might be the first preference for Team India if Hardik misses out. While he can offer good batting skills in the playing XI, he will also be able to bowl some overs.
Being able to offer some overs is very crucial for the balance of the side. It ensures that there is a backup if any other bowler has a bad day. With the bat, Tilak can anyways continue his good form.
2) Axar Patel
Axar Patel is one of the players India must have on reserve in case Hardik Pandya gets ruled out of the World Cup. He was named in the initial squad but later got ruled out. Axar is now playing in the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Axar’s bowling capabilities are well-known. Yes, he and Jadeja offer the same type of bowling but it is better to have a good extra bowling option than having nothing. Axar’s batting has also improved and this would further help the side.
3) Vijay Shankar
Unfortunately, India does not have a good medium-pace bowling all-rounder who can replace Hardik. There are the likes of Venkatesh Iyer and Shivam Dube but they are too raw for the ODI format.
Vijay Shankar is a possible option in this regard. He can move the ball at the start and he also showed decent batting form in IPL 2023. He has good experience and would not be a bad addition to the side.
