‘Fourth ball did it’: How Hardik Pandya knew at NCA nets that his World Cup was over

IT was his fourth and fifth deliveries in the nets at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) on Friday that decided Hardik Pandya’s destiny in the World Cup.

The Indian Express understands that Pandya was asked to bowl in the nets with strength and conditioning coaches advising him to increase his speed slowly. As he was coming after injury, the support staff didn’t want him to put too much pressure on his ankle. It is learnt that Pandya didn’t face any problem in the first three balls he bowled. He decided to increase the intensity of his bowling for the next delivery. It was during the fourth ball he felt a bit of pain in his leg.

Follow all the action from the Cricket World Cup 2023 on our special World Cup section. You can also find the latest stats, like the top scorer and the highest wicket-taker of the current edition, upcoming World Cup fixtures and the points table on the site.

Pandya informed the support staff about the pain he felt on his right ankle. He ran and bowled the fifth ball with 80% of intensity but the pain increased.

The NCA medical team decided to get another round of scans done. “The result showed that his bone still has swelling and it will take a few more weeks. It was then that the BCCI informed the Indian team management and selection committee to pick a replacement,” a BCCI official said.

On Saturday morning, the ICC confirmed that Pandya is out of the World Cup and the Indian board has sought his replacement in Prasidh Krishna.

Pandya had limped off after putting his right foot to stop a drive from Bangladesh’s Litton Das in Pune. The Baroda all-rounder lost his balance while trying to stop and dragged his right boot while landing on the pitch. He got up and looked in discomfort as he stood on his haunches. Pandya was rushed to the NCA for his rehabilitation.

On Saturday morning, Pandya penned down a heartfelt message on the X: “Tough to digest the fact that I will miss out on the remaining part of the World Cup.

“I’ll be with the team, in spirit, cheering them on every ball of every game. “Thanks for all the wishes, the love, and the support has been incredible. This team is special and I’m sure we’ll make everyone proud. Love, always, HP”.

You can try your hand at solving our Cricket World Cup crossword

The tournament’s Event Technical Committee has approved seamer Krishna as Pandya’s replacement. The 27-year-old, Krishna, who has made a comeback after a long injury layoff has played 17 ODIs for India and has bagged 29 wickets.

A vital cog in the wheel, Pandya’s skill set at the highest level – effective with difficult to pick up bouncers, the surprise heavy ball and ability to clear the ropes – makes him viral to the playing XI’s balance. Hardik had picked up five wickets from four matches in India’s campaign and had batted only once against Australia in Chennai.

Ironically, it was Pandya’s injury that made India select Mohammad Shami as they dropped Shardul Thakur. Shami has been in sensational bowling form since then.