“In Pandya’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav becomes very important” - Harbhajan Singh 

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has opined that Suryakumar Yadav’s role in the playing XI will become extremely important in Hardik Pandya’s absence. Pandya missed India’s previous 2023 World Cup match against New Zealand after suffering an ankle injury against Bangladesh. He is set to miss Sunday's clash against England in Lucknow as well.

Suryakumar replaced Pandya in the match XI for the World Cup game against the Kiwis, but could not make an impact. He was run out for 2 following a mix-up with Virat Kohli. With Pandya unlikely to be fit for the match against England, Suryakumar is set to get another chance to shine in the ODI World Cup.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan shared his thoughts on the importance of Suryakumar [4:05] in Pandya’s absence.

“Hardik Pandya is unlikely to be available for the next two games. In Pandya’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav becomes very important. He will bat at the crucial No. 6 position. He was a little unlucky in the last game. He got run out following a mix-up with Virat Kohli while he was batting,” the former cricketer said.

The 43-year-old added that if Suryakumar had got his eye in against the Kiwis, the match wouldn’t have gone so far. He also backed the Indian batter to make up for his lost opportunity in the game against England.

“If Suryakumar had stayed there, the match wouldn’t have gone so far. Till Virat Kohli was there out in the middle, there was no need to worry, but Suryakumar Yadav will be a crucial member for this team. I feel if he gets a chance, he will make up for the run out. His performances in ODIs in the recent series against Australia were worth watching,” Harbhajan concluded.

While Suryakumar fell cheaply, Kohli scored 95 off 104 balls as India chased down 274 against New Zealand in 48 overs.

---

Hardik Pandya might miss India’s next few World Cup matches: Reports

While Pandya looks set to miss the World Cup clash against England, reports are now emerging that he might be unavailable for a few more matches.

According to a report in The Times of India, the 30-year-old is suspected to have suffered a Grade 1 ligament tear in his ankle. He hurt himself while trying to stop a stroke from Litton Das in the follow-through with his leg.

There are also reports that off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin might make a comeback into the playing XI for the match against England in Lucknow.