Xtra Time Web Desk: All roads will lead to the Narendra Modi stadium on Saturday for the marquee clash between India and Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Both teams will go into the match with two consecutive wins under their belt. The hosts will be the favourites having a superior record in ICC events, having won 7 matches in ODI world cup.
Shubman Gill is all set to be back in the playing XI after recovering from dengue. The 24-year-old is likely to replace Ishan Kishan at the top. He looked good during the training session on Friday and could return to the playing XI for this mega clash, with Ishan Kishan making way for him.
Furthermore, there will be a toss-up between Shardul Thakur and Ravichandran Ashwin for the bowling all-rounder’s role at number eight position. In their first World Cup game against Australia, India went with Ravichandran Ashwin’s experience as the surface in Chennai was on the drier side.
However, Shardul Thakur replaced the spin maestro in Afghanistan game, with the Delhi track being flat and conducive for batters.
There could be a possibility that India might bring back Mohammed Shami in the playing XI. He could replace Mohammed Siraj, who has had a tough time in ongoing World Cup, scalping only two wickets in three outings at a horrendous economy of 6.93. So, considering Siraj’s poor recent form, India might think to replace him with Mohammed Shami, who has performed exceptionally at the venue for his IPL franchise Gujarat Titans.
However, don’t be surprised if India decides to continue with Siraj, as this management, led by Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, isn’t really known for chopping and changing.
Here is India’s likely playing XI against Pakistan: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj/Mohammed Shami