Indian head coach Rahul Dravid expressed his concern about the balance in the team due to the absence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the upcoming match against New Zealand. Pandya sustained an ankle injury while bowling in a recent game against Bangladesh.

Dravid highlighted Pandya’s importance in providing balance to the squad but mentioned the need to work with the available players from the 14-member squad to determine the best combination for the match.

Dravid acknowledged Pandya’s significance, stating that he is a vital all-rounder who contributes to the team’s overall balance. While Pandya won’t be available for this game, the coaching staff will need to find an alternative strategy that suits the conditions and wickets they will encounter.

The team is likely to fill Pandya’s spot with Suryakumar Yadav, who has been groomed for the No. 6 role in ODIs. Suryakumar Yadav, known for his X-factor play, delivered standout performances in bilateral ODIs against Australia before the World Cup, scoring two half-centuries, including a remarkable 72* in the second match of the series.

His role as a replacement will be crucial as Team India faces the high-flying New Zealand side in Himachal Pradesh.

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