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Prasidh Krishna (Source: Twitter)
The decision to select a pacer in place of an All-rounder for the remainder of the ODI World Cup 2023 has caused debate among the fans. Hardik Pandya was ruled out of the ODI World Cup 2023 due to his inability to recover from an ankle injury. After the consultation with the event's technical committee, the Indian team announced Prasidh Krishna as Hardik's replacement.
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While Prasidh is a skilled bowler, the Indian fans were of the argument that Hardik's replacement should have been an All-rounder or a finisher, who could have provided intent with the bat. The argument of the fans seemed fair too, as India had in-form pacers and probably lacked batters in the lower middle order. An all-rounder would have made the difference. Even a designated finisher would have been a fine choice.
Ahead of India's clash against South Africa, the Indian coach was in the pre-match conference. Rahul Dravid was questioned about selecting Prasidh as the replacement for Pandya. The Indian coach gave his thoughts about the selection of a fast bowler like Prasidh, instead of a batter or an All-rounder in the squad. Dravid acknowledged that there would not be a sixth bowling option.
'We had a backup for spin and all-rounder but needed a backup for a fast bowler' - Rahul Dravid
"After Hardik has been injured, we have played with three quicks. In reserves, we had a backup for spin and all-rounder but needed a backup for a fast bowler," said Dravid. The Indian coach felt that Hardik was in the team as an all-rounder. In his absence, the team strengthened its bowling with three pacers and two spinners. Hence, Dravid felt that India did not have a backup for the pacers in the squad.
The Indian coach further said that having Prasidh would mean a lack of a genuine sixth bowling option. But Dravid funnily said that India has a sixth bowling option in Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav. India will be playing South Africa in Eden Gardens in Kolkata today, which is the 35th birthday of the star cricketer, Virat Kohli.