Suryakumar Yadav hit his wrist with the ball during batting practice ahead of the New Zealand clash at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, on October 22.
New Delhi: Injury trouble does not seem to leave the Indian camp. After Hardik Pandya’s ankle injury forced him to rule out of the upcoming clash against New Zealand in ICC ODI World Cup 2023 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, on October 22, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan’s inclusion in the playing 11 appear to be under doubt too.
As reported by our correspondent Kapil Vashisht, Ishan Kishan reportedly got bit by a honey bee, and dynamic batter Suryakumar Yadav hit his wrist with the ball during batting practice in the nets. Surya was also seen receiving ice packs on his wrist. However, none of the players has been ruled out of action officially and the severity of their injuries is currently unknown.
Kishanor Suryakumar Yadav can be seen playing in the middle order for the Men in Blue for the clash against the Black Caps and can make their way into the playing 11 after Pandya’s injury if the incidents are not so worrisome.
The notion has always been that a fit and in-form Hardik Pandya brings India the balance and skills it brings and craves in white-ball cricket, an effective batter in the lower-order capable of providing finishing touches and a fast-bowling option who can land a significant impact in any phase of the game.
When Hardik left the field after suffering a left ankle injury against Bangladesh at MCA Stadium in Pune while trying to stop a boundary off his own bowling, the worst nightmare of the Indian team plus its passionate fans, who fell silent on seeing the all-rounder being attended to by the physio – seemed to be coming true – of not seeing him in action.
A day later, after India beat Bangladesh by seven wickets, the BCCI said Hardik will be resting and will not be traveling with the team to Dharamshala for its clash against New Zealand at Dharamshala on Sunday, with an expectation to be fit in time for the match against England on October 29 in Lucknow.
With Hardik’s services unavailable for the clash against New Zealand, a formidable side with almost everyone in form, this is the huge challenge that is now staring India’s face in their quest for a fifth straight win in the tournament. No matter what combinations they field at HPCA Stadium, they will be lacking in some aspect, which Hardik used to cover up.