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'Didn't Change Outcomes': Williamson Lauds India's Adaptability in Pandya's Absence

image-loy6qx8wHardik Pandya and Kane Williamson [X.Com]

Kane Williamson lavished rich praise on the Indian team's adaptability and depth evident at the ICC World Cup 2023 despite losing premier fast-bowling allrounder Hardik Pandya. 

Gearing up for the ultimate showdown in the semifinal against the Men in Blue on Wednesday (November 15), the New Zealand skipper lauded Rohit Sharma's men for packing the strongest punch even without their key player. 

Fears were rife if the tournament hosts would be able to overcome the absence of Pandya, who is integral to their balance and playing combination. However, the title contenders have been able to push aside his injury problems and managed to retain an incredible winning streak during the league stage.

Even as Pandya was ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury, which he picked up during the match against Bangladesh in Pune, Team India managed to play a robust and enterprising brand of cricket after bringing in extra specialist middle-order batter in Suryakumar Yadav at No.6 and trusting a five-pronged attack to do the business. 

It's as if Pandya's injury absence spurred the team on with Shami proving that his value and match-winning impact to the side is far greater than any utility batting option at No.8. The experienced pacer has since taken 17 wickets in five matches. 

Williamson Lauds India For Adjusting To Pandya's Balance 

On the batting front, freeing up for a slot at No.6 has allowed Suryakumar to come in and play his naturally freeflowing game at the crease and contribute in India's excellent run towards the knock-outs stage. He will be an understated key to the side when they face the BlackCaps at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. 

"Every team has a slightly different balance. The injury to Hardik changed the balance a bit but certainly didn't change the outcomes. They have nicely adjusted," said Williamson at the pre-match press conference.

The BlackCaps, who have played rather scratchy cricket in the tournament, enduring a four-match losing streak either side of their five wins with none coming against the fellow semifinalists, will have to play out of their skins to defeat an Indian side absolutely determined to fetch the ultimate glory.