3 Players who should’ve replaced injured Hardik Pandya in India’s ODI World Cup 2023 squad

The Indian Cricket team recently suffered a major setback as their star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was ruled out of the ODI World Cup 2023 due to an ankle injury. However, the Indian Cricket Board recently announced Prasidh Krishna as the replacement for the injured Hardik in India’s squad for the remainder of the tournament. 

While Prasidh Krishna is a talented fast bowler, there were other notable candidates who could have filled the void left by Hardik Pandya‘s absence. The choice of a like-for-like replacement for Hardik may not have been the most strategic one. Let’s take a closer look at three such players who could have been better replacements for the star all-rounder.

1. Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar is a versatile cricketer with both batting and bowling skills. He has showcased his prowess in the Indian Premier League and international cricket. Chahar’s ability to swing the ball early on and his handy lower-order batting make him a valuable asset. He could provide depth in both the batting and bowling departments, which is crucial in a tournament like the World Cup.

2. Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar is another promising all-rounder who could have been a strong candidate to replace Hardik Pandya. Sundar’s exceptional control as a spinner and his capability to score quick runs with the bat make him a well-rounded player. His performances in limited-overs cricket, both in India and for various IPL franchises, have earned him recognition as a reliable all-rounder.

3. Axar Patel

Axar Patel is a left-arm spinner who has been impressive with his performances in the Test format, however, his recent performances in the limited-overs cricket are also great. His ability to restrict the opposition’s scoring and pick up crucial wickets can provide a different dimension to the Indian team’s bowling attack. Axar’s utility with the bat, especially in the lower order, adds depth to the batting lineup.

India could have considered these alternatives to strengthen their all-round capabilities in the ODI World Cup. Nonetheless, Krishna will have the opportunity to prove his worth, and Indian fans will be hopeful that he can rise to the occasion and fill the shoes of the injured all-rounder as they aim for World Cup glory.