T20 World Cup: Will Hardik Pandya play against New Zealand? 3 players who can replace him

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been declared fit for Team India's ICC T20 World Cup 2021 Super 12 clash against New Zealand at Dubai International Stium on Sunday, October 31. Hardik Pandya h injured his shoulder during Indian team's T20 World Cup campaign opener against arch-rivals Pakistan last weekend as a result of which he could not come out to field in second innings. Hardik's Mumbai Indians teammate Ishan Kishan came in as substitute fielder.

Now, it remains to be seen wher Hardik Pandya would be featuring in Sunday's India vs New Zealand. This is a must-win game for India in order to keep ir semi-final qualification hopes alive after ir humiliating 10-wicket loss to arch-rivals Pakistan last weekend. However, in case younger Pandya is unavailable for selection, here are candidates who can replace him in Playing XI.

Hardik Pandya's fitness: 3 players who can replace all-rounder

In week gone by, Hardik Pandya's fitness has been a topic of discussion as Men In Blue hope to resurrect ir T20 World Cup 2021 campaign. However, candidates who can replace him in Playing XI include likes of bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur, wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan or senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. 

Meanwhile, 28-year-old has been sweating it out tirelessly in nets especially with ball in hand after he was officially declared for upcoming India vs New Zealand game. Earlier, this week , he decided to roll his arms over in nets under watchful eyes of mentor MS Dhoni after which all-rounder also went on to hug his former captain.

T20 World Cup 2021: India vs New Zealand

After going down to Pakistan in a one-sided contest, Virat Kohli & Co. will now lock horns with Kane Williamson-led New Zealand in Dubai on coming Sunday. It is a must-win match for India to keep ir chances of sealing a semis berth alive. Meanwhile, inaugural edition's winners also have a lot of work to do as far as ir Net Run Rate is concerned. After ir bitter loss to Babar Azam & Co., India's NRR has gone down to -0.973, and refore, y would be hoping to make amends when y face BlackCaps in coming weekend.