Asia Cup 2023 India vs Pakistan: The impending clash between India and Pakistan (IND vs PAK), scheduled for Sunday, promises an altered composition for Team India as they prepare to face Pakistan in Colombo. The noteworthy inclusion of fast-bowling maestro Jasprit Bumrah is on the cards.
Bumrah’s temporary absence from the Sri Lanka leg, due to personal commitments as his wife, Sanjana Ganesan, welcomed their newborn, kept him out of the Nepal match. However, the prodigious paceman is poised for a return, potentially reshaping India’s starting eleven. Another possible modification is the inclusion of Akshar Patel.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Reemergence
The Indian camp has received a substantial boost with the return of star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. His brief hiatus from international duty, owing to familial responsibilities, made way for seasoned campaigner Mohammed Shami in the match against Nepal.
Shami, delivering a respectable performance with one wicket conceded for 29 runs in 7 overs, held his own. Yet, the return of Bumrah may see Shami relegated from the starting lineup.
Team India Contemplates Axar Patel
Team India may contemplate the inclusion of Axar Patel in the starting eleven. Patel, known for his dual prowess in bowling and batting, could potentially replace Shardul Thakur if he secures a berth in the lineup.
The bowling arsenal against Pakistan may comprise Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, and the rapid-pace deliveries of Hardik Pandya, a versatile all-rounder. Consequently, India’s bowling department could witness the deployment of three fast bowlers and two spinners, with Kuldeep Yadav as the primary spinner and Akshar Patel as a viable second option.
Worth noting is the contingency plan: a reserved day is earmarked for the India-Pakistan clash in case inclement weather disrupts the main event. Interestingly, this safeguarding provision is exclusive to this pivotal fixture, as no reserve days are allocated for other encounters in the Super Four stage.
India – Pakistan head to head statistics in Asia Cup 2023 and World Cup 2023
So far 17 matches have been played between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup. While Team India has won 9 matches, Pakistan has won 6 matches. Let us tell you that Asia Cup 2023 has been played in both ODI and T20 formats.
Whereas India and Pakistan have faced each other seven times in the ODI World Cup. Where the Indian team has won all the seven matches. Fans are expecting the victory of the Indian team this year as well.
India’s probable playing XI
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
Pakistan’s probable playing XI
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
