Pandya had missed all of the ensuing games but multiple media reports earlier claimed that the all-rounder will be fit in time for the knockout stages. But now, Pandya has been replaced in the squad by Prasidh Krishna. The World Cup Technical Committee approved the change on Saturday.
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Krishna will be available for selection for the crucial clash between India and South Africa on Sunday. The right-arm pacer has 33 wickets in his 19 ODI appearances so far and will compete against Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah for a place in India's pace bowling line-up.
Hardik Pandya was one of Rohit Sharma's side's important men. Pandya also provided the skipper with much-needed support in case any of the regular bowlers had a bad day, fulfilling their quota of 10 overs, allowing Rohit to deepen the Indian batting and play Shardul Thakur as the third pacer.
However, Pandya is unavailable for the rest of the matches. India are likely to stick with the 5-bowlers and 6 batting combination that they have used in recent matches.
The six-member committee includes ICC General Manager Wasim Khan, ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley, BCCI Acting CEO Hemang Amin, BCCI General Manager Operations Gaurav Saxena, and independent representatives Russel Arnold and Simon Doull.
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