India faced a major setback before their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match against South Africa as all-rounder Hardik Pandya was declared unfit for the rest of the tournament. Hardik sustained an ankle injury during the India vs Bangladesh match and has subsequently been absent from the following games. As India's vice-captain, his absence prompted the selection committee to appoint KL Rahul as the deputy to Rohit Sharma.
"The BCCI has appointed KL Rahul as the vice-captain of the Indian team for the remainder of the World Cup. He was informed about it on Saturday morning by the chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, who is travelling with the team," stated a BCCI official in a conversation with The Indian Express.
It is understood that one of the reasons for preferring Rahul over pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as the vice-captain was his vantage point as a wicket-keeper, allowing him to have a better understanding of the game's dynamics. Initially serving as the team's specialist wicketkeeper, Rahul will now participate in all crucial meetings and be involved in key team decisions after his appointment as vice-captain. KL Rahul has excelled behind the stumps in the World Cup 2023, offering valuable input to Rohit Sharma, including field placements and DRS usage.
‘I’ll Be With The Team In Spirits’: Hardik Pandya
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya took to social media to express disappointment over missing the remainder of the tournament and pledging his support to the team. He wrote, "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."
Meanwhile, Team India have been in exceptional form during the World Cup 2023, securing seven consecutive victories and already qualifying for the semifinals. While there was hope that Hardik Pandya would recover in time for the semis, his recovery did not progress as expected. The BCCI named Prasidth Krishna as Pandya's replacement in the World Cup 2023 squad.