The much-anticipated battle between India & Pakistan is set to commence on 2nd September at Pallekele, Sri Lanka. Shardul Thakur can be the surprise package for the mighty Pakistan cricket team. Shardul Thakur is often termed to be the man with the golden arm.
Pakistan on the other hand would bring Faheem Ashraf into the side as we have seen that all-rounders have the knack of changing the complexion of the match. Shadab Khan may bat up the order as he can be a great foil against the spinners in the middle overs phase.
It is important to have batting depth- Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh was seen speaking on his YouTube channel and pointed out that Shardul Thakur should be in the playing 11 and stated that Thakur can play a handy knock for the team at the back end of the innings. Harbhajan Singh said that it will be a huge test for the swashbuckling left-handed batter Ishan Kishan.
“It is important to have batting depth and that is why I have Shardul Thakur at No.8. He has done well for India in ODIs and Tests. Even if it is a shortened match, the team should remain the same, because this team has it all,” said Harbhajan Singh.
“Ishan Kishan does not have much experience playing in the middle order, but I hope that he comes good. Strike needs to be rotated well in the middle overs, and it will be a huge test for Kishan,” he added.
Lower-order batting a concern for India
The management will have to make a decision as whether to include Shardul Thakur or go ahead with the trio of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj & Jasprit Bumrah. It looks unlikely that the side would go ahead with 4 pacers and a long spinner in the high octane clash.
Head coach Rahul Dravid & skipper Rohit Sharma can’t afford to experiment with the combination as we all know that ODI WC 2023 is around the corner. Ishan Kishan can be used as a pinch hitter as the left handed batter along with Suryakumar Yadav can play the role of finisher as well for the team.