2 Changes India might make against New Zealand as Hardik Pandya is ruled out of the game

India is off to a flying start in the ICC World Cup 2023. They have won four out of their games in the tournament so far and are one of the two undefeated teams. But their next challenge, which arguably will be the toughest, will be against New Zealand. Since 2013, they haven’t beaten them in ICC events and they would be hoping to change the things this time around. 

2 Changes India might make against New Zealand as Hardik Pandya is ruled out of the game 

India will take on New Zealand on Sunday (22nd October) in Dharamsala. With the game away just a few days now, they have faced a massive blow as Hardik Pandya won’t be available. The all-rounder suffered an ankle injury and has been deemed unfit for the game. Therefore his absence will be massive for the team. Keeping that in mind, we take a look at 2 changes India might make against New Zealand as Hardik Pandya is ruled out of the game:

Suryakumar Yadav in place of Hardik Pandya 

One of the main changes that India will be looking to make is they bring Suryakumar Yadav in place of Hardik Pandya. New Zealand have good seamers in their ranks and with Dharamsala wicket offering swing, India might play an extra batter. Yadav did well in the series against Australia ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023. Also, he brings X factor with himself and the team would be tempted to bring him in. 

Mohammad Shami in place of Shardul Thakur 

The addition of Suryakumar Yadav in the team means India would be having five specialist bowlers in the team. Therefore we might see them adding Mohammad Shami into the team in place of Shardul Thakur. The latter has been quite expensive and there have been a lot of talks related to him getting dropped. Shami being in the team provides a proper option to the team in all the phases of the game.