World Cup News : Injury Woes Hit Indian Cricket Team Ahead of Crucial New Zealand Clash

In a challenging situation for the Indian team management, they are confronted with limited options to replace the injured Hardik Pandya in the playing XI for their pivotal encounter against New Zealand. Unfortunately, both Ishan Kishan and Surya Kumar Yadav, the potential replacements, encountered health issues during Saturday’s practice session.

India faces several injury concerns as they prepare to face New Zealand, the finalists of the previous edition, at the HPCA stadium in Dharamshala.

Already grappling with the absence of the irreplaceable pace-bowling all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma and his team face the possibility of further complications. The only two alternative batsmen in the Indian lineup, Surya Kumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan, had to withdraw from Saturday’s practice session due to health problems.

Hardik Pandya sustained a left ankle injury during his first over against Bangladesh, resulting in his premature departure from the field. Virat Kohli completed the over in his place. Pandya has subsequently been ruled out of the New Zealand ODI and is currently under the supervision of the BCCI medical team at the National Cricket Academy.

Surya Kumar Yadav, who was expected to step into Pandya’s shoes in the Indian XI against New Zealand, faced an injury scare when he was struck on the wrist during a throwdown session with Raghvendra. Fortunately, the versatile batsman seems to have avoided serious injury and won’t require a precautionary X-ray.

Ishan Kishan’s training session was also cut short on Saturday after he was reportedly stung by a honeybee.

As the Indian team contemplates their playing XI against New Zealand, it appears that they may opt for a lineup comprising seven batsmen and four bowlers, with Ravindra Jadeja serving as the all-rounder and Shardul Thakur providing additional batting support. Coach Rahul Dravid hinted that Surya Kumar Yadav might be favored over Ishan Kishan for the upcoming match. Furthermore, there’s the possibility of pacer Mohammed Shami making his tournament debut.

Dravid emphasized the strengths of both Ishan and Surya, acknowledging the left-hander’s performance and Surya’s excellence against spin, making the final decision a challenging one.