Shreyas Iyer’s absence will impact us but we have to find solutions: Hardik Pandya

After clinching a 2-1 victory against Australia in the 2022-23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home, India are gearing up for a three-match ODI series against the Men in Yellow. Notably, Indian batter Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the series due to a lower back injury for an indefinite period.

Discussing Iyer’s absence from the upcoming white-ball series, India's stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya said that his unavailability will impact the team's preparations for the 2023 World Cup, which will be played in India in October-November. However, he added that the team needs to find a solution and move forward.

"It is going to impact us, obviously, we are going to miss him but we will have to slowly start finding solutions if he is not around (for a long time). If he is around he is more than welcome but if he is not then there is a lot of time to think about it and see how we can go forward," Pandya said ahead of the first ODI against Australia.

'I have been in that situation' - Hardik Pandya on Shreyas Iyer's injury

On the question of Iyer’s exclusion from the sport for an unspecified time, Pandya said: "Obviously there is no timeline but we have to hope for the best."

Pandya, who has represented India in 169 international matches, also recalled his past struggle with injury during the initial phase of his career. Drawing parallels between his injury with that of Iyer, the 29-year-old all-rounder said, "I have been in that situation where the back could be a problem."

India will play the first ODI against Steve Smith-led Australia at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. In the last ODI game between both these sides at this venue, the Men in Yellow had annihilated the hosts by 10 wickets.

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