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The absence of Hardik Pandya in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 clash against New Zealand on Sunday has left the Indian cricket team and their fans in a somewhat challenging situation. Pandya sustained an ankle injury while attempting to stop a ball during India’s match against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19, making him unavailable for the crucial upcoming fixture.
Rahul Dravid addresses the issue of Hardik Pandya’s absence
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the clash with New Zealand, head coach Rahul Dravid acknowledged the crucial role that Pandya plays in providing the ideal balance to the team’s XI. The 30-year-old’s prowess as a versatile all-rounder, contributing with both the bat and the ball, has been pivotal for India. His absence indeed leaves a void, and the team will need to recalibrate their approach in his absence.
“Yeah, obviously, is an important player for us and he is an important all-rounder so helps us really balance our squad out really well. But he is going to be missing this game, so we will have to work around that and see what is the best combination and what we can come up with best. I mean, in the end, we’ve got to work with the 14 that we’ve got,” Dravid said.
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Finding the right combination
Despite the setback of Pandya’s injury, Dravid expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and find the right solutions. The 50-year-old was pragmatic, acknowledging that they might not have the same balance in the XI as they enjoyed in the first four games of the tournament. Yet, the team remains resolute in their mission to construct a winning combination for the clash against the Blackcaps.
“Sometimes you do expect that these kinds of things can happen, so that’s why you have got a squad. We will have to see what works best for these conditions and these wickets. But yeah, probably might not have the kind of balance that we probably used in the first four games,” the Indore-born cricketer concluded.
As India and New Zealand, the only two unbeaten teams in the competition so far, prepare to face off, the absence of Pandya is undoubtedly a challenge. However, the cricketing world will be keenly watching how India adapts and whether they can maintain their unblemished record in the absence of a key player. The upcoming clash promises to be a thrilling battle, with both teams aiming to retain their unbeaten status and assert their dominance in the World Cup.
