Selection conundrum for Rohit Sharma ahead of India vs South Africa World Cup match
The Indian cricket team has been dominant in its 7 matches and has sealed its place in the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2023. However, the Men in Blue are now scheduled to face second-placed South Africa in which turns out to be A complicated encounter in Calcutta’s Eden Gardens. However, the team is ready, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid will be tempted to make some changes to rest key players for the semi-finals.
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The Eden Gardens pitch in Calcutta has not produced great scores, the highest being Pakistan’s 205 against Bangladesh. A slow, dry delivery that helps the spinners will make a good case for Ravi Ashwin to get a chance at him in India’s XI. Additionally, the dew factor can be useful for hunters and with rain predicted, the Men in Blue can make some changes to their mixes.
In the previous match against Sri Lanka, the Men in Blue replicated the 2023 Asia Cup final. They claimed a 302-run victory to become the first team to reach the semi-finals. A strong bowling display, a fife for Mohammed Shami and a three-wicket haul for Mohammed Siraj were enough to dismantle the Lankan batting order.
Rohit Sharma had a rare day off as Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli showed their skills and class.
Both batsmen came close but failed to reach the sacred 3-digit mark. Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, with his place in danger, scored a fiery 82 to help India amass a big total. Overall, an excellent bowling attack dominated the Lankans as India continued to advance.
With Hardik Pandya ruled out, India need to prepare these fast bowling all-rounders for the future
India vs South Africa: what to expect?
- Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill remain India’s top openers and their places in the team are unstoppable.
- Virat Kohli remains in top form and dominates the Indian No. 3 spot.
- Shreyas Iyer got some crucial runs and will take up his position at number 4, while the reliable KL Rahul occupies the fifth spot.
- The dynamic finishing duo of SKY and Jadeja occupy the sixth and seventh spot in the bottom batting order.
- Mohammed Shami bagged a fifer and will not be out and so will Kuldeep Yadav who continues to pick up crucial wickets in every game.
- Mohammed Siraj is also in good form and players like Jasprit Bumrah can be rested, while Ravi Ashwin can be a good option on a slow and fine-tuned track in Kolkata.
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India predicted playing XI
1. Rohit Shamra (S)
2.Shubman Gill
3. Virat Kohli
4. Shreyas Iyer
5. KL Rahul (week)
6. Suryakumar Yadav
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Kuldeep Yadav
9. Jasprit Bumrah/Ravi Ashwin
10. Mohammed Shami
11. Mohammed Siraj
India squad for Cricket World Cup 2023
Hitters: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav
Weeks: Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul
All-terrain stitching: Hardik Pandya (VC), Shardul Thakur
All-terrain tour: Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin
Seamers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj
Spinner: Kuldeep Yadav
