World cup 2023:  India gears for 4th match, inclusion of R Ashwin still under doubt

Sports desk: High-flying India is all set to take on the bruised Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium here on Thursday, but the biggest question mark over Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in the Playing XI is haunting millions of fans across the globe. Tomorrow, India will face Bangladesh in its 4^th match of world cup 2023.

This question is being addressed after Captain Rohit Sharma rolled on his arms to send a few off-spinners in the nets with none other than Ashwin’s help. The ace spinner was seen giving tips on spin bowling. There is an understanding that the team’s think tank does not want to disturb the batting lineup, unless Ashwin fits into “horses for courses” idiom.

Fans here are expecting an attacking game by India with Rohit looking in awesome touch and Shubman Gill making a comeback against Pakistan in Ahmedabad where he showed glimpses of fireworks in his brief stay at the wicket. Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj also bowled well in the tournament. The inclusion of Ashwin would not only strengthen India with spin, but with bat as well.

 Probable playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin/Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.

Bangladesh: Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan (captain) Mushfiqur Rahim (wicket-keeper), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman.