The India Cricket Team has been dominant in their 7 matches and has sealed their spot in the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2023. However, the Men in Blue are now slated to face the 2nd-placed South Africa in what proves to be a tricky fixture at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. With the team being set, Rohit Sharma is unwilling to tinker with his set squad.
India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
“We will bat first. Looks like a good pitch, it wasn’t to do with the pitch, we wanted to challenge ourselves. It’ll be a good game, two teams who have played consistent cricket and have topped the table, will be nice to win and go on top. I love to play over here, not just me, the entire team looks forward to play at this historic ground. We’re playing the same team, don’t think we need to change anything with the way we’ve been playing,” said Rohit Sharma at the Toss.
The pitch at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata hasn’t produced big scores, the highest being 205 which Pakistan chased against Bangladesh. A slow and dry pitch that assists the spinners will make a good case for Ravi Ashwin to get his chance in the India playing XI. Moreover, the dew factor can prove handy for the chasers, and with rain prediction, the Men in Blue can make a few changes amidst their mixes.
In the previous game against Sri Lanka, the Men in Blue replicated the Asia Cup 2023 Final. They clinched a 302-run win to become the first team to reach the semis. A strong bowling display, a fifer for Mohammed Shami, and a three-wicket haul for Mohammed Siraj was enough to dismantle the Lankan batting order.
Rohit Sharma had a rare off day as Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli showcased their skills and class. Both the batters came close but failed to reach the hallowed 3-digit mark. Shreyas Iyer on the other hand with his spot in jeopardy slammed a fiery 82 to help India amass a big total. Overall, an excellent bowling attack tamed the Lankans as India kept marching on.
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India vs South Africa – What to Expect?
- Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill continue to be India’s prime openers and their places in the squad are irrepresable.
- Virat Kohli remains in red-hot form and dominates India’s number 3 spot.
- Shreyas Iyer bagged some crucial runs and will slot in his position at no.4 while dependable KL Rahul occupies the 5th spot.
- The dynamic finisher duo of SKY and Jadeja takes the 6th and 7th spot in the lower batting order.
- Mohammed Shami bagged a fifer and won’t be dropped as will Kuldeep Yadav who continues to scalp crucial wickets in every game.
- Mohammed Siraj too is in good form and Jasprit Bumrah spearhead the paceattack.
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India Squad for Cricket World Cup 2023
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav
WKs: Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul (VC)
Seam all-rounders: Shardul Thakur
Spin all-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin
Seamers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Spinner: Kuldeep Yadav
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