The wait is finally over. India are set to lock horns with Pakistan in the Group A match of Asia Cup 2023 on September 2 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan are entering the marquee clash, having thrashed Nepal by 238 runs. With the Men in Green playing some sensational cricket of late, it will be a task cut for the Men in Blue to conquer their arch-rivals in the upcoming game. India would look to field their full-strength playing XI for their tournament opener on Saturday. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma And Other Indian Cricket Team Players Pose for Their Headshot Session Ahead of IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 (Watch Video).
The main question that the team management will need to answer regarding the team composition is the spot of a wicketkeeper-batter. With KL Rahul out of the first two games of the marquee tournament due to injury, India have to choose from Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson as their keeper-batter. Given Kishan was sensational in the ODI series against West Indies, he is likely to pip Samson for the role. However, the southpaw might be asked to bat in the middle as India might not be inclined towards changing their opening composition of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Moroever, the match will mark the return of Shreyas Iyer in the mix. The ace batter is likely to be slotted in the number four slot and the team management would hope he put up a show with the bat. Coming to the bowling department, the think tank is expected to go with the trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj in the pace department while Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin attack. Hence, Prasidh Krishna and Axar Patel might not feature in the upcoming encounter. .'Wish to See King Kohli Playing in Pakistan’ Virat Kohli Fan Holds Banner in Multan During Asia Cup 2023, Pic Goes Viral.
India’s Likely XI for Asia Cup 2023 vs Pakistan
Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 01, 2023 12:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).