T20 World Cup India vs Pakan tip-off XI: Kuldeep Yadav likely to play, Imad Wasim returns, Saim Ayub gets a look in | Cricket News
T20 World Cup 2024 India vs Pakan playing 11: In any India-Pakan tie the form and the conditions don’t matter at all. It is all about the day and the big match temperament. The Rohit Sharma-led India will lock horns against Babar Azam’s Pakan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Cricket’s biggest game yet in the US, between arch-rivals India and Pakan could get the first glimpse of cricket’s most marketable rivalry with all its fervour and frenzy. Ahead of the highly-anticipated clash, the Indian Express argues for the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, Imad Wasim and Saim Ayub for the T20 World Cup clash between the great rivals.
Kuldeep Yadav likely to play
Kuldeep Yadav picked a five-wicket haul in the third T20I against South Africa. (Twitter/BCCI)
Against Ireland, the Indian think-tank left out left-arm wr-spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI and opted for an extra special fast bowler. It is highly unlikely that India will change their winning combination but given Kuldeep’s recent form and his favourable match-ups against Pakani batters, especially Babar, the team management might consider including him. If so, one out of Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja may have to sit out.
Imad Wasim returns
Pakan allrounder Imad Wasim. (AP)
Pakan all-rounder Imad Wasim, who missed the match against the USA due to side strain has passed the fitness test on the eve of the match and is available for the selection, coach Gary Kirsten confirmed this at the pre-match press conference. Imad’s return will be a big boost for Pakan: in his absence, they had struggled to balance the side. Imad will replace Azam Khan, who got out on a golden duck against the USA.
Saim Ayub for Usman Khan
Pakan’s Saim Ayub in action. (@SaimAyub7 | X)
In Pakan saim Ayub is considered as a generational talent but the 22-year-old is yet to set the international stage on fire. In the recently-concluded Pakan Super League (IPL), the southpaw amassed 345 runs at the strike rate of 157.33. He partnered up with Babar Azam for the most formidable opening combination of the season. With Babar and Mohammad Rizwan set to open the innings, the talented youngster can be a perfect No 3 for Pakan. If Saim plays then Usman Khan will have to make the way.
India vs Pakan predicted XIs
India Predicted XI: India predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Pakan Predicted XI: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
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