India Playing XI: Mohammed Shami to replace Jasprit Bumrah for IND vs NEP in Asia Cup 2023 clash

The stage is set for the Men in Blue to take on Nepal in their second match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. After rain played spoilsport in the much anticipated India vs Pakistan clash, Rohit Sharma and Co are eager to win against minnows Nepal and seal their spot in for the next stage. In India’s playing XI, Mohammed Shami is set to replace Jasprit Bumrah who has left for India to attend the birth of his first child.

If not anything, the IND vs PAK game was a testament to India’s top-order failure. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer all fumbled against the mighty pace attack of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. But it was the tremendous temperament of Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya who parried to help India manage a respectable total of 266 runs.

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Same Top Order?

There is a slight hint that Ishan Kishan can be promoted up the order to partner with Shubman Gill in the opening stand. But at this stage and with World Cup 2023 knocking on the door, it is not the time for experiments. So preferably Rohit Sharma will open with Gill. Virat Kohli retains his favored number 3 spot while Shreyas Iyer slots in at number 4.

The middle order also remains the same. Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja comprise of the lower middle order. The trio has the power to adjust to the demands of the game as was evident numerous times and in the IND vs PAK clash.

Change in Bowling Order

The only change expected in the India Playing XI vs Nepal will be in the pace attack for the side. With Jasprit Bumrah not available, Mohammed Shami will be back in the squad and will spearhead the pace attack with Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj. Kuldeep Yadav will the solitary specialist spinner in the team.

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India Playing XI vs Nepal

1. Rohit Sharma (C)

2. Shubman Gill

3. Virat Kohli

4. Shreyas Iyer

5. Ishan Kishan (Wk)

6. Hardik Pandya

7. Ravindra Jadeja

8. Shardul Thakur

9. Mohammed Shami

10. Kuldeep Yadav

11. Mohammed Siraj