Asia Cup 2023, Match 5 | India's Predicted XI vs Nepal

Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan were outstanding against Pakistan in the first match of India in Asia Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)

The 2023 Asia Cup is currently underway, with thrilling matches arriving on on a daily basis. In Group A of the competition, only two games have taken place, with one of them—India versus Pakistan—ending in a draw. The fifth match of the ongoing competition will take place at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy and feature Nepal versus India in a must-win clash.

India have a solitary point from one game in the coveted group stages after their tournament opener against arch-rivals, Pakistan ended up as a stalemate. The Men in Blue, who were batting first, did endure difficulties despite losing four wickets early. The important 100-plus run combination between Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya allowed the Indian team to reach 266 in 50 overs. Twice during the first innings, the rain popped up, causing difficulties.  It reappeared for one final time in the day during the mid-innings break and enforced an abandonment.

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Meanwhile, Nepal are yet to open their winning account and they have a last opportunity against Asian Giant, India. They suffered a massive drubbing in the hands of Pakistan in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2023, losing by 238 runs while chasing a target of 343 runs in 50 overs. The Rohit Paudel-led unit have had a journey to reminisce in this competition and will look to make every possible mark in the mega-event.

With Super Four qualification points in stake, India serves as the favourites in this competition and we shall have a look at how the predicted XI sounds like for the upcoming battle.

Openers- Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill

The pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill has brought a lot of great starts in the past couple of years for India across formats. Although the last game against Pakistan was a story to contradict the previous statement, one match will not decide the potent of the two individuals. Rohit Sharma, the skipper sounded good before the rain cashed in and interfered in the first innings versus Pakistan. The management is  likely not to tinker with the opening pair.

Middle-order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Ishan Kishan

There should be no question why Virat Kohli is the heart and soul of this Indian middle-order. When it comes to the no. 4 spot, Shreyas Iyer must get adequate chances as he is coming back post injury with minimum game time.  The Mumbaikar played some crisp strokes in the last game but was out of luck to get outwitted by a short ball from Haris Rauf in the Pakistan game. And when we talk about Ishan Kishan, the Jharkhand-based cricketer showed maturity in another level after stitching a crucial partnership with Hardik Pandya against Pakistan when the Men in Blue were 66-4.

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel

The Indian management may rope in Axar Patel for the encounter against Nepal. If that's the case, Shardul Thakur is the one to be trimmed off. Keeping in mind, the track of Pallekele, there could be reasons why a team may confront with three spinners.  

Also, after a glorious match-deciding innings of 87 from Hardik Pandya, there should be no doubt on the existence of the Gujarat Titans' captain in the playing XI. He will be succoured by spin bowling all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja.

Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammad Shami

With Jasprit Bumrah returning to India ahead of the game, it is expected that Mohammad Shami will be taking his place. Barring this one change, the rest of the bowling unit will apparently remain the same for India.

Asia Cup 2023, Match 5: India Predicted XI vs Nepal

Rohit Sharma (c)
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
Ishan Kishan (wk)
Hardik Pandya
Ravindra Jadeja
Axar Patel
Mohammad Shami
Kuldeep Yadav
Mohammed Siraj