India will jump back into the action at the 2023 World Cup this Sunday, October 29, after a week’s rest. They’ll be squaring off against England at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium. So far, the tournament has been a mixed bag for both teams, which should make this game a fascinating matchup.
India gave New Zealand a taste of defeat after 20 long years in ICC events, making them the sole team yet to be beaten in the tournament with a total of five splendid victories. If they keep this up and triumph over England, they’ll find themselves at the pinnacle of the table once again. Conversely, Jos Buttler and his team seem to be having a hard time this World Cup. With their single win from five games, they’re sadly perched at the very bottom of the points table.
Because England may still make it to the semifinals mathematically, they may come out all guns blazing against the hosts, knowing they have nothing to lose. They did defeat India four years ago in Birmingham, and India will be aware that, despite England’s position in the points table, it will not be an easy game.
On that point, here are three fascinating match-ups that might add spice to the game:
3. Jonny Bairstow vs Kuldeep Yadav
Jonny Bairstow, England’s opener, has good memories of playing Kuldeep Yadav in the past, when he hammered the Indian left-arm wrist spinner to all areas of the pitch. Bairstow dominated Kuldeep in both the 2019 World Cup encounter at Edgbaston and the ODI between the two sides in Pune in 2021.
However, the world has seen a new and improved version of Kuldeep, and he would love the opportunity to resume his duel with Bairstow. Bairstow has scored 103 runs off 77 balls against Kuldeep in ODIs, but he has also been removed twice.
2. Jos Buttler vs Ravindra Jadeja
In the event that Hardik Pandya is unable to play, the balance provided by Ravindra Jadeja becomes even more important. The Men in Blue will rely on him to provide some tight overs while also chipping away at wickets.
Jos Buttler hasn’t had the best World Cup at bat, with only 95 runs in his opening five innings. Despite having previously scored 104 runs from 110 balls against Jadeja in ODIs, he’s been out three times. How he handles the left-arm spinner under pressure with England on the defensive will certainly be something to watch.
1. Virat Kohli vs Adil Rashid
Because of the duo’s well-documented history, the game’s blockbuster matchup might end up being Virat Kohli against Adil Rashid. Kohli has great regard for Rashid and has been outspoken about the influence the leg-spinner can have.
In one-day internationals, Kohli has scored 108 runs off 116 deliveries off Rashid. However, the seasoned Indian hitter has been dismissed three times by the leg spinner. Adil Rashid may have to deliver something spectacular to break through his defense on Sunday, given Virat’s good vein of form.
