'Make Two Changes..', Sunil Gavaskar On India's Playing XI For New Zealand Game
Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the NZ game [AP]
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar suggests that to compensate for Hardik Pandya's absence in their upcoming World Cup 2023 match against New Zealand, India should consider including either Suryakumar Yadav or Ishan Kishan in their playing XI.
Pandya sustained a left ankle injury during their previous game against Bangladesh while attempting to field a ball.
In addition, India has been hit by further worrisome news as Suryakumar Yadav was struck on the right wrist during a practice session, and young Ishan Kishan was stung by a honeybee. Both of them were likely replacements for the injured Pandya.
According to Gavaskar, strengthening the batting is crucial, and both Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan are suitable options for this purpose.
He points out that India has struggled against New Zealand's top-class new-ball bowling, which frequently dismisses the top-order batters. Therefore, adding depth to the batting order is essential.
"If I was part of the Indian team, I would look to pick Suryakumar Yadav or Ishan Kishan - strengthen the batting. What has been India's problem against New Zealand - their top-class new-ball bowling which gets the top two or three batters out. So you really need a little depth in your batting," Sunil Gavaskar told India today.
Gavaskar does not believe that Ravichandran Ashwin is the ideal replacement for Pandya in the XI, as it would weaken the batting slightly. Instead, he suggests opting for either Ishan Kishan or Suryakumar Yadav at the No. 6 position.
"If you have an Ashwin coming in, in place of Hardik Pandya, then it sort of weakens your batting just a little bit. So either have the left-handed Ishan Kishan or Surykumar Yadav at No. 6."
Gavaskar also mentioned that Mohammad Shami could be an attractive option since India might not need an all-rounder at No. 8.
"So make two changes basically because with Ishan Kishan or Suryakumar Yadav, your batting gets strengthened anyway, but Shami coming in will strengthen the bowling as well. That little aspect of bowling which with Pandya's absence was getting a little bit weakened, that will be enormously strengthened," Gavaskar added.
With both Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan facing injury concerns, it remains uncertain who will replace Pandya in the lineup. However, it is likely that Shami will make his first appearance in this year's World Cup.
These injury concerns have added to the challenges facing the Indian team as they prepare for the crucial match at the HPCA stadium in Dharamsala.
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