India's worst nightmare comes true as Hardik Pandya ruled out of World Cup 2023, replacement announced

India's unbeaten World Cup 2023 campaign has received a massive jolt after it was announced by the International Cricket Council on Saturday that star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will miss the remainder of the tournament. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has been named Hardik's replacement.

The star India all-rounder, who twisted his ankle and landed awkwardly during the game against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19, limped off the field and did not take any further part in the match. He was sidelined and subsequently missed the next three matches against New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka. The BCCI and the team management was positive that Hardik, who has since been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the NCA, would be fit for the semifinals, which India qualified for, but has now failed to recover in time.

Initially believed to be nothing more than an ankle sprain, Hardik's injury took a serious turn when a ligament tear was considered. But since it was a Grade 1 injury, the recovery period was expected to last between 10-15 days. Clearly, as it turns out, the damage inflicted on Hardik's injury is more concerning than thought.