“I’ll be With The Team, in Spirit”: Hardik Pandya Responds to the Heartbreaking World Cup Results

As the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semifinals draw near, India has suffered a serious setback. Due to his inability to fully recuperate from an ankle injury, India’s premier all-arounder Hardik Pandya will miss the rest of the country’s world cup campaign.

On social media, Pandya responded to the news.

The 30-year-old said that it’s “tough to digest” that he won’t be able to see the whole of the ODI championship match, but he still plans to support his colleagues and hopes they make “everyone proud.”

Soon after the ICC made the announcement, Pandya posted on social media, saying, “Hard to digest the fact that I will miss out on the remaining part of the World Cup.”

“I will be cheering the squad on at every ball of every game, supporting them in spirit. We appreciate all of your well wishes, love, and amazing support. We have a unique squad, and I know we’ll make everyone proud. Love, HP, always,” he continued.

Pandya suffered a twist to his left ankle while fielding a follow-through in an India-Bangladesh league match in Pune.

Before it was revealed that Pandya would miss a few games and perhaps make a return around the semifinals, he was finally sent for scans.

For their remaining games, India had to replace the void created by his absence with a specialist bowler in Mohammed Shami and a specialist batsman in Suryakumar Yadav in their starting XI.

Prasidh Krishna, a fast bowler, has been authorized by the ICC technical committee to replace Pandya.

Given the balance he provides to the team as a fast bowler who can also play to anchor an innings and transition to a finishing position when needed, Pandya’s absence would undoubtedly hurt India.

India, who have already advanced to the semi-finals, will play their eighth game of the season on Sunday in Kolkata against South Africa.