Team India, the only unbeaten team in the 2023 World Cup so far, will face defending champions England in match number 29 on Sunday at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The Men in Blue will be eager to maintain their perfect record in the competition.
India’s World Cup journey kicked off with a bang! They beat Australia by six wickets in a thrilling match at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. But they didn’t stop there. With gutsy performances, they dominated Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It was a team effort – both batsmen and bowlers shined. Great stuff!
In Dharamsala, the Men in Blue were expected to face a considerably tougher test against New Zealand, a team they had not defeated in any ICC event since 2003. The Kiwis did give a threat to India’s dominance, but Rohit Sharma and company prevailed by four wickets.
owing to the absence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya owing to injury, India made two changes for the game against New Zealand. Suryakumar Yadav was brought in to replace Pandya, and Mohammed Shami was brought in to replace Shardul Thakur.
We examine three reasons why India must have an unchanged XI against England in the 2023 World Cup.
1. The Benefits of Leaving Things As They Are
‘If it ain’t broke, don’t repair it,’ goes the old adage. When selecting the starting XI for the encounter against England, India will do well to adhere to the ideology. Hardik Pandya’s availability for Sunday’s match is more or less certain, despite speculations that he may be out for the remainder of the World Cup.
Due to Pandya’s unavailability, India were forced to discard their six-bowler idea. Mohammed Shami, who replaced all-rounder Shardul Thakur, bowled brilliantly, taking 5/54. In fact, his effort was the game’s defining one, earning him Player of the Match ahead of Virat Kohli, who contributed 95. With Pandya out, India should stay with Shami, who has earned his position in the starting XI.
The five-bowler hypothesis is risky since it extends India’s tail significantly. When left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav was assaulted in the game against New Zealand, it placed the fielding captain under strain. But that is the risk India will have to take without Pandya.
Thakur has had little influence with the ball in the games he has played. His recent batting form has also been unimpressive. In fact, he hasn’t been required with the bat thus far in the World Cup.
Ravindra Jadeja batted well at No. 7 against New Zealand. They would be wise to believe in the same combination.
2. Suryakumar Yadav Deserves Another Chance After His World Cup Debut
Suryakumar was selected to play against New Zealand in Pandya’s absence. He had a poor game, being run out for 2 off 4 balls after a terrible mix-up with Kohli. While Suryakumar did not capitalize on his opportunity against the Kiwis, it would be unjust to drop him from the starting XI after only one disappointing performance.
With Pandya out, the No. 6 batter position becomes critical, and Suryakumar is capable of filling it. He had a strong ODI series against Australia at home shortly before the World Cup began. The 33-year-old hammered 50 off 49 in Mohali and then slammed 72* off 37 in Indore.
Suryakumar will be buoyed by his win against the Aussies. India must support him in his World Cup match against England in Lucknow.
3. Two good spinners can exploit turning conditions
There is speculation that India would field three spinners against England in Lucknow. The English are not considered to be excellent spinners, and the Lucknow surface has always favored spinners.
However, in order to bring in Ravichandran Ashwin, the Men in Blue must discard one of their three fast bowlers. Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj do not deserve to be benched since they have performed admirably.
Team India is led by left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Both can take advantage of the conditions if the pitch aids in spin.
Furthermore, the three of Siraj, Bumrah, and Shami can make their presence known regardless of the surface. As a result of the circumstances, sacrificing a pacer who has been doing well to bring in a third spinner may not be the best option.