The Indian team sustained a huge blow when veteran all-rounder Hardik Pandya suffered an injury in his ankle while bowling in his team’s previous clash against Bangladesh. He had to leave the field in between the game and was also assessed by team physio. The BCCI came up with an official announcement that Hardik will not take part in India’s next match against New Zealand, which will be played in Dharamsala on Sunday.

The Indian team management is under a lot of pressure and confusion as to who can replace Pandya in their playing XI ahead of the game against New Zealand. Speaking about the same, former India player Harbhajan Singh came up with a suggestion for the hosts. He said the Men in Blue should add Mohammed Shami and Suryakumar Yadav in place of Shardul Thakur and Ravichandran Ashwin.

“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 solid 10 overs,” Harbhajan said Aaj Tak.

The likes of Shami and Surya are yet to mark their presence in India’s playing XI as veteran spinner Ashwin got a chance to play in India’s opening game against Australia in the ongoing World Cup. Thakur on the other hand has played in three matches with as many wickets to his name. Talking about Pandya’s injury, the star all-rounder sustained an injury during the ninth over of Bangladesh’s inning. He attempted to stop the shot hit by Litton Das with his right leg and that is when he twisted his ankle.

“Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya sustained an injury to his left ankle while fielding on his own bowling during India’s match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI 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 play England,” BCCI said in a statement.