The stage is set for the epic India-Pakistan encounter in the Asia Cup 2023 today, September 10, but the Indian team has a tough decision to make regarding their batting order. They have to choose between KL Rahul, who is back from his injury and ready to join the squad, and Ishan Kishan, who has been sensational in the tournament so far.
Ishan Kishan has been a revelation in the middle-order, scoring four consecutive half-centuries in ODIs this year. He also played a match-winning innings in the last game against Pakistan, when he stitched a vital partnership with Hardik Pandya after India were reduced to 66 for 4. He has an impressive average of 48.50 in 19 ODIs and an even better average of 53.00 in 18 matches at number 5.
KL Rahul, meanwhile, has been sidelined for some time due to an injury and missed the initial games of the Asia Cup 2023. He is a proven performer and a big name in Indian cricket, but he might lack match practice and form after his recovery. However, some experts have opined that KL Rahul should replace Ishan Kishan at the fifth spot.
The conundrum between KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan for the fifth spot in the batting line-up remains unsolved, as Rohit Sharma’s team prepares to take on the formidable Pakistani bowling attack once again.
The likely Indian playing XI for the Asia Cup match against Pakistan is:
Top-order: Rohit Sharma ©, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli
Middle-order: Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (W/K)
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah Mohammed Siraj
The India vs Pakistan Super 4 clash for Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to start at 3 pm IST today, September 10, but there is a possibility of rain affecting the game again.
