Hardik Pandya vows to be with Team India as injury rules him out of World Cup 2023

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India's World Cup 2023 campaign has taken a major hit as vice-captain Hardik Pandya is ruled out from the remainder of the tournament.

Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder, sustained a left ankle injury in a match against Bangladesh in Pune. He was immediately carried to a Pune-based hospital for a medical examination that confirmed his injury wasn't as startling as initially presumed.

Rumours were rife about Pandya being unable to compete in few initial group-stage matches, with his return expected around November. However, the situation didn't unfold as anticipated for the 30-year-old cricketer.

Speculations about him missing out on all group stage matches were making rounds, and it's now ascertained that Pandya won't be match-fit in time for the World Cup. His ankle condition, still sore, can't meet the hastened recovery schedule for the World Cup, rendering his participation infeasible.

Amid the disappointment, the player broke the silence and wrote an emotional message on social media. Pandya vowed to stay with team India emotionally and said 'this special team will make everyone proud'.

Pandya penned a message on his X profile saying, "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".

It is undoubtedly a massive blow for the Indian team as they take on South Africa in the next match on Sunday. ICC has announced that Prasidh Krishna has replaced Pandya for the remainder of the tournament.