India vs Pakistan : 2019
Fast bowler Mohammed Shami is the frontrunner to replace a spinner in India's playing XI for the much-anticipated World Cup 2019 match against arch-rivals Pakistan in Manchester on Sunday.
Shami who had sealed a World Cup berth with some consistent performances with the white ball in 2019 wasn't picked for India's first 2 matches at the World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar shared the new-ball in India's wins over South Africa and Australia before rain washed out Thursday's match vs New Zealand in Nottingham.
However, with overcast conditions predicted in Manchester on Sunday, India are looking to add firepower to their pace attack. Mohammed Shami is likely to replace left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI vs Pakistan on Sunday, India Today has learnt.
Speaking to India Today from Manchester on the eve of the blockbuster clash, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh pointed out that playing two wrist-spinners in Kuldeep and Yuvendra Chahal against Pakistan is not a wise move, considering Pakistan batsmen are good against spin.
"Keeping in mind the wicket and the conditions, Mohammed Shami will get an opportunity to play. Playing 2 spinners might not work because Pakistan are good players of spin as well," Harbhajan Singh said.
Meanwhile, Vijay Shankar is likely to make his World Cup debut on Sunday against Pakistan. The all-rounder who had made his India debut as recently as January 2019 is the frontrunner for the No. 4 spot. KL Rahul, who batted in the middle-order vs South Africa and Australia, will open the batting with Rohit Sharma in the absence of injured Shikhar Dhawan.
Vijay Shankar had hit the nets frequently in the lead up to the big game on Sunday and his ability to chip in with a few overs of medium pace will be handy in overcast conditions.
India are starting as favourites but rain threat looms large over the Manchester clash. Speaking on the eve of the match, captain Virat Kohli said India are likely to consider their options depending on the conditions and weather on Sunday morning.
"... the length of the game and looking at the conditions, we will definitely think of a few combinations," Kohli said.
Shami who had sealed a World Cup berth with some consistent performances with the white ball in 2019 wasn't picked for India's first 2 matches at the World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar shared the new-ball in India's wins over South Africa and Australia before rain washed out Thursday's match vs New Zealand in Nottingham.
However, with overcast conditions predicted in Manchester on Sunday, India are looking to add firepower to their pace attack. Mohammed Shami is likely to replace left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI vs Pakistan on Sunday, India Today has learnt.
Speaking to India Today from Manchester on the eve of the blockbuster clash, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh pointed out that playing two wrist-spinners in Kuldeep and Yuvendra Chahal against Pakistan is not a wise move, considering Pakistan batsmen are good against spin.
"Keeping in mind the wicket and the conditions, Mohammed Shami will get an opportunity to play. Playing 2 spinners might not work because Pakistan are good players of spin as well," Harbhajan Singh said.
Meanwhile, Vijay Shankar is likely to make his World Cup debut on Sunday against Pakistan. The all-rounder who had made his India debut as recently as January 2019 is the frontrunner for the No. 4 spot. KL Rahul, who batted in the middle-order vs South Africa and Australia, will open the batting with Rohit Sharma in the absence of injured Shikhar Dhawan.
Vijay Shankar had hit the nets frequently in the lead up to the big game on Sunday and his ability to chip in with a few overs of medium pace will be handy in overcast conditions.
India are starting as favourites but rain threat looms large over the Manchester clash. Speaking on the eve of the match, captain Virat Kohli said India are likely to consider their options depending on the conditions and weather on Sunday morning.
"... the length of the game and looking at the conditions, we will definitely think of a few combinations," Kohli said.