Hockey World Cup 2023: India’s Hardik Rai dominated out of event, changed by Raj Kumar Pal

India suffered an enormous blow forward of their crossover stage match towards New Zealand within the Hockey World Cup 2023 as younger midfielder Hardik Rai was dominated out of the event attributable to a hamstring harm. Hardik was changed by Raj Kumar Pal.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 21, 2023 11:45 IST

Hardik scored for India of their first match towards Spain (Courtesy: PTI)

By India Today Web Desk: India have suffered an enormous blow forward of their crossover stage match with New Zealand on Sunday as midfielder Hardik Rai was dominated out of the event attributable to a hamstring harm.

Hardik sustained the harm throughout India’s 0-0 draw towards England within the Pool D match. The younger midfielder had scored within the hosts’ first match towards Spain and seemed to be in nice contact.

The teenager will now get replaced by alternate participant Raj Kumar Pal for the remainder of the competitors.

After Hardik had sustained the harm, India coach Graham Reid mentioned that the setback wasn’t as critical as initially feared and the midfielder was rested for India’s 4-2 win over Wales.

But after additional evaluation, the workforce administration determined to rule the 23-year-old out of the competitors. Speaking concerning the resolution to Hockey India’s official web site, Reid mentioned that it was a tough name to exchange Hardik.

The India coach mentioned that point wasn’t on their aspect and determined to go forward and exchange the midfielder with pal. Reid additionally mentioned the workforce administration is worked up on the prospect of working with the alternate participant for the remainder of the competitors.

“Overnight we had to make the difficult decision of replacing Hardik Singh in the Indian Team for Sunday’s match vs New Zealand and the subsequent World Cup matches.”

“While the injury was not as severe as the initial incident suggested, time was not on our side and after our ongoing thorough rehabilitation process and functional and on-field assessment today, it has been decided that we will replace Hardik with Raj Kumar Pal. While it is extremely disappointing for Hardik personally, of course, given how well he played in our first two matches, we are excited at the prospects of Raj Kumar joining the group for the remaining World Cup matches,” Reid added.

Published On:

Jan 21, 2023