‘I think you should bring…’ – Harbhajan Singh names replacement for Hardik Pandya against New Zealand

India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya recently got injured while bowling against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on 19 October during the ODI World Cup 2023. Hardik Pandya could not make it back to the field for the rest of the inning after bowling 3 balls in the 9th over, after slipping on the pitch, Hardik Pandya has now been ruled out of India’s next match against New Zealand. 

India will next lock horns with  New Zealand on 22 October in Dharamshala. India’s former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has answered India’s middle-order crisis and has found a replacement for Hardik Pandya. Harbhajan discussed that the team should drop Shardul Thakur ahead of the match against New Zealand, bring Mohammed Shami and introduce either Ishan Kishan or Surya Kumari Yadav for the game against New Zealand as a batsman. 

Harbhajan Singh picks Hardik Pandya’s replacement for the match against New Zealand 

“It’s a big issue for India if Hardik Pandya is not fit. He sets our combination and if he doesn’t play then you will have to change it. You can either play Ishan Kishan or Suryakumar Yadav as a pure batter. We are playing Shardul Thakur because of his all-rounder abilities. I think you should bring Mohammed Shami in his place as he can give you a solid 10 overs,” said Harbhajan Singh. 

“Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya sustained an injury to his left ankle while fielding on his bowling during India’s match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised to rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the Indian Cricket Board’s Medical Team. He will not be taking the flight to Dharamsala with the team on 20th October and will now join the team directly in Lucknow where India plays England,” said the Indian cricket board statement while informing about Hardik Pandya’s injury.