
In a significant development for Team India, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has been named the vice-captain for the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. This decision comes in the wake of the unfortunate injury to all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament. The confirmation of KL Rahul’s appointment as vice-captain was made by head coach Rahul Dravid during a pre-match press conference.
Hardik Pandya’s World Cup journey came to an abrupt end after failing to recover from an ankle injury that he aggravated during India’s victory over Bangladesh. Dravid addressed the media, stating, “Yeah, so he’s the vice-captain because Hardik is injured. So, he has become the vice-captain.”
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KL Rahul has been a valuable asset to the team, contributing significantly with the bat, amassing 237 runs in six innings. Additionally, he has demonstrated exceptional skills behind the stumps, making crucial saves and collecting balls without conceding byes. His remarkable fitness and athleticism have been on full display, and he has been involved in nine dismissals in seven games, comprising eight catches and one stumping.
Team India’s stellar performance has been a highlight of the tournament, as they have secured victories in all seven of their previous matches, often with commanding margins. Their unbeaten run has propelled them to the semifinals, making India the first team to reach this stage of the World Cup.
While the absence of Hardik Pandya will be felt, the young and talented Prasidh Krishna has been included in the squad as his replacement. The decision was approved by the tournament’s Event Technical Committee on Saturday.
Throughout the tournament, India’s pace attack has stood out, delivering exceptional performances, especially in the floodlit conditions of their recent fixtures. Star spinner Kuldeep Yadav has continued to bewilder opposition batters, adding depth to India’s bowling arsenal.
With India and South Africa currently occupying the top two positions in the World Cup standings, the upcoming clash in Kolkata on Sunday holds immense significance. The winner of this match will finish the group stage of the tournament at the top spot, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in the semifinals.
India’s Updated Squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav.