Ahead of the five-match T20I series between India and England, former cricketer VVS Laxman has picked a likely playing XI for the hosts. The first match of the series is on March 12 (Friday0 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Incidentally, this series will officially mark the beginning of India’s preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 scheduled to take place later this year.
As the management look to fix their squad for the marquee event, Ravi Shastri & Co will be sweating over Rohit Sharma’s opening partner. With Rishabh Pant back to superlative form, it will be a fight between KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan to partner India’s vice-captain. Speaking on Star Sports show Game Plan, VVS Laxman picked Rahul ahead of Dhawan while also naming Pant in the squad.
VVS Laxman snubs Suryakumar Yadav for 1st T20I
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav, who is expected to play his first international match in the five-match series against The Three Lions, also did not find a place in Laxman’s playing XI for the opening contest. The Mumbai Indians batsman has been peddling run in the domestic circuit and in the IPL for quite some time now.
Also Read
Mumbai Indians Spinner In Line To Be Added To India Squad For England T20Is
On the bowling front, VVS Laxman picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is making a comeback after a long injury haul. He will partner Deepak Chahar and T Natarajan while the spin duties will lie on the shoulders of Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel. Hardik Pandya, who didn’t bowl in the Australia series, is expected to roll his arms in the series against England as India look to fix their playing XI for the mega event.
VVS Laxman’s playing XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal, T Natarajan
Also Read
