Indian cricket team would be roaring to make a mark against Pakistan on 2nd September at Pallekele, Sri Lanka. Kuldeep Yadav would be keen to make a case for himself for the upcoming ODI WC 2023. Chairman of the selection panel Ajit Agarkar had stated that Kuldeep Yadav would be the frontline spinner and had pipped the sly spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal.
The surface at Pallekele is expected to be a rank turner which would keep the spinners in action. The billion people would be hoping that Kuldeep Yadav bowls according to a particular gameplan. It would be interesting to see which would be the second frontline spinner Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja.
Kuldeep Yadav is a great talent and has a sharp mind- Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar was seen speaking on his YouTube channel and said that the Pakistan cricket team will hammer India if they win the toss & opt to bat first first. Shoaib Akhtar pointed out that India should go ahead with 3 fast bowlers in the form of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami & Mohammed Siraj. Shoaib Akhtar stated that Kuldeep Yadav shouldn’t be benched for the summit clash
“If Pakistan wins the toss and bat first, they will literally hammer India. However, if India win the toss, Pakistan could be in trouble because the wickets haven’t settled yet and the ball isn’t coming on nicely under the lights,” said Shoaib Akhtar.
“I believe India should go ahead with three fast bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj are very good. Kuldeep Yadav shouldn’t be benched. They have already wasted a lot of time by keeping him out. He is a great talent and has a sharp mind,” he added.
Pakistan holds the edge against India
The resurgence of skipper Babar Azam at the top of the order has meant that there is no added responsibility on the wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan. The likes of Imam-ul-Haq & Fakhar Zaman will have to blunt the new ball as it won’t be easy for the duo against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah & Mohammed Siraj.
Pakistan have got a lethal pace attack in the form of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah & Haris Rauf as skipper Babar Azam will have to rotate the trio smartly in the pinnacle clash. Babar Azam would be tested as a defeat would raise questions over the team’s dynamics and a win would take them to the top of the group A stage.