Indian skipper Virat Kohli lost the toss against New Zealand and was asked to bat first in Dubai. having lost their first games against Pakistan, this match is a do-or-die for both teams. The Indian team has made two changes in their playing XI with Suryakumar Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar missing out. Kohli mentioned at the toss, that SKY missing from the XI was a forced change.
Team India had a week-long break between their first game and the second. While other players were able to maintain their fitness, Suryakumar Yadav picked up a back spasm which is why Ishan Kishan will replace him in the XI. Shardul Thakur has been added into the squad in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya has retained his place in the XI. The Indian all-rounder did bowl in the practice session and is expected to bowl in the contest today as well.
“It’s another opportunity to come out and correct the mistakes. Two changes. One forced, Surya has a lower back spasm, so Ishan Kishan will replace him and open the batting. Shardul Thakur replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar” said Kohli regarding the changes in the playing XI.
Ishan Kishan Replaces Suryakumar Yadav In The XI
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli eluded to the time gap in between two games for India. India played their first game against Pakistan on October 24. They now play against New Zealand after a week-long gap. He said that the gap was too long and ridiculous with other teams playing as many as two games in between.
Too Long A Break Between Two Games: Virat Kohli
“Too long a break, but yeah, the guys have recovered well. Had good practice sessions, are itching to go out on the field, which is a good thing. When you have so many days off you want to get on the park and get into the groove” said Kohli at the toss.
Afghanistan beat Namibia comfortably in the first game of the day to strengthen their position in the points table. Thus this match now becomes all the more important for both teams. The team that loses this game might not get a chance to make it to the semi-finals.
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