Spin or pace? India vs Pakistan probable playing XI, Abhishek Sharma may return, there will be changes in the team
New Delhi: The wait of cricket lovers is about to end. The historic clash between India and Pakistan is once again ready to thrill. This big match of Group A will be held on Sunday, 15th February at R.K. Colombo, Colombo. Will be played at Premadasa Stadium. India has had the upper hand in recent years, but when these two teams face each other, statistics take a back seat and pressure becomes the biggest factor.
Before the match, there was a lot of discussion about the statements of sports administrators and other people more than the players. But now all the talks are over and the decision will be taken on the field. Both the teams are undefeated so far in this tournament. It is believed that India and Pakistan can reach Super 8, yet no one is taking this match lightly.
Clear message from Captain Suryakumar Yadav
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav showed confidence in the press conference. When he was asked about the Pakistani captain’s wish to feed Abhishek Sharma, he smilingly replied that if he wants, we will definitely feed him. Surya admitted that the India-Pakistan match is a big stage and the players understand the importance of this match. He said that the team will try to keep things simple and not let pressure dominate.
Surya also expressed confidence in the unique bowling action of Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq. He said that Indian batsmen practice against such bowlers and there is no question of bowing before anyone. Regarding the fast bowling combination, he admitted that team selection is not easy. It will be challenging to take a final decision between bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj.
Answer of Pakistan captain Salman Ali Aga
On the other hand, Pakistan’s acting captain Salman Ali Aga did not give much importance to the discussion regarding Usman Tariq. He said that all the 15 players in the team are equal, however he also described Tariq as an important weapon of the team. Ignoring the questions raised on Tariq’s bowling action, he said that the player is not affected by these things. He also said that the team is ready for every situation, be it sports or any other challenge.
keeping an eye on team selection
The news of relief for the Indian team is that Abhishek Sharma is now fit and was seen in the practice session. After missing the last match due to illness, his return can strengthen the team. There is a possibility that India may prefer spin options. An experienced spinner like Kuldeep Yadav and an all-rounder like Washington Sundar can provide balance to the team combination. With Sundar’s inclusion, the batting can also gain depth.
Pakistan is also considering changes in its bowling strategy. According to the report, the team can field a balanced attack instead of five spinners, which includes two spinners and two fast bowlers. In such a situation, Mohammad Nawaz or other all-rounder may have to sit out. However, the final decision will be taken considering the pitch and weather.
India and Pakistan: full teams
India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakraborty, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Abhishek Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar.
Pakistan:Salman Aga (captain), Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Khawaja Nafe (wicketkeeper), Saeem Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza.
India and Pakistan: Probable playing XI
India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakraborty.
Pakistan: Salman Ali Aga (captain), Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Saeem Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Salman Mirza.
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