Following their impressive victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in Ahmedabad, India is gearing up for their next ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 match against neighboring Bangladesh. The clash is scheduled to take place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday, October 19.
India is determined to maintain their winning streak in the 2023 World Cup, having already secured victories against the five-time champions Australia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in the competition. The Indian team is likely to stick with a similar lineup that performed exceptionally well against Pakistan. However, there might be a temptation to replace all-rounder Shardul Thakur with the pace of Mohammed Shami when facing Bangladesh.
With Shubman Gill's return to the side after recovering from dengue fever, he is expected to retain his opening spot alongside the in-form skipper Rohit Sharma. The middle order is fortified with the presence of Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul.
The trio of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur will serve as the all-rounders for India. Nevertheless, there is a possibility of considering Mohammed Shami in the lineup, given Shardul's minimal involvement in the previous game (bowling only two overs and not batting). While Shami can offer a potent threat with the ball, this decision could slightly weaken India's batting depth.
Kuldeep Yadav is set to take on the role of the specialist spinner, complemented by the formidable pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
As India prepares for this crucial encounter with Bangladesh, the team management faces decisions on team composition that will strike a balance between strengthening the bowling attack and maintaining a formidable batting order.
India predicted playing XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
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