ODI World Cup 2023: Three players who can replace Hardik Pandya in India's squad

Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the ODI World Cup 2023. The Indian All-rounder sustained an ankle injury while bowling against Bangladesh in Pune. After the match, Pandya was ruled out of the match against New Zealand. Reports suggested him to be back before the match against England, or at least before the semifinal. But the latest reports claim him to be ruled out of the tournament. 

Prasidh Krishna has been picked as the replacement of Hardik in the squad. Though having a pacer can be a good option, many have criticized the move of the Indian team to have Prasidh. India has many pacers already in the squad and lacks batters who can score runs down the order. Here are the three players who could have replaced Hardik Pandya in the squad, instead of the right-arm pacer Prasidh Krishna. 

3. Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar is a pace-bowling All-rounder, who is almost a like-to-like replacement for Hardik. The right-arm pacer can swing the new ball both ways. If necessary, Chahar can use his slower ones and cutters to be effective in the deathovers. With the bat, Chahar can not just play cameos but can save the team from collapsing with the bat. Deepak is a great package as a player. 

2. Axar Patel

Axar Patel was initially in India's ODI World Cup squad. However, due to an injury he suffered in the Asia Cup 2023, Axar was ruled out of the ODI World Cup 2023. But the current reports show that he has been fully fit. In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy, Axar played some match-winning innings. Getting Axar back in the squad would have been a better option, given his contribution with the bat and with the ball in recent years. 

1. Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh has been in terrific form in the last few months. In every tournament he has played, Rinku has performed well. From domestic tournaments to the IPL earlier this year, and then after getting chances in international cricket, Rinku has proved himself. Given his ability to finish the innings, and the ability to bowl, if necessary, Rinku could have been one of the replacements for the injured Hardik in the ODI World Cup 2023.