'Tough to digest': Hardik Pandya after getting ruled out of remaining World Cup matches

On missing the remainder of the tournament, Hardik posted a heartfelt message on his social media handles.

The allrounder, who is one of the crux of Team India, posted on X, "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."

His place in India's squad will be taken by Prasidh Krishna, with the inexperienced fast bowler parachuted into the playing group after being approved by the tournament's Event Technical Committee on Saturday.

Krishna has just 19 white-ball appearances to his name for India and was last seen at international level when he picked up the prized wicket of David Warner in taking 1/45 from nine overs against Australia just prior to the World Cup.

While Krishna has shown signs of promise in the past with 33 international wickets, the right-armer is going to be competing with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj for a place in India's pace unit.

With the Event Technical Committee approving India's replacement player on Saturday, it means Krishna is available for selection for Sunday's crucial World Cup clash against fellow tournament pacesetter South Africa.

India and South Africa currently occupy the top two places on the World Cup standings and the winner of Sunday's match in Kolkata will be in the box seat to finish the group stage of the tournament in first spot.

(With additional inputs from UNI)