T20 World Cup 2021: Parthiv Patel names India’s Playing XI for Pakistan clash

Team India will kick-start their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan. The high-voltage encounter takes place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 24. Although the Virat Kohli-led side is touted as one of the favourites to get the glory, their playing XI for the clash against Pakistan isn’t certain. Owing to the same, many fans and experts have been opining on the Indian team’s combination.

Former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel is the latest one to join the bandwagon. While the southpaw reckoned most players pick themselves up, there will be a slight dilemma while choosing between Shardul Thakur and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Notably, Patel also considered Hardik Pandya in the XI even if the all-rounder doesn’t deliver in the bowling department.

Hardik Pandya is someone who can finish the game: Parthiv Patel

“I am sure Virat knows his playing XI and probably not the names, but I am sure he knows what combination he wants to go with. To me, the question will be, should you play Bhuvneshwar Kumar or Shardul Thakur,” Parthiv said while speaking on a Star Sports show.

“Probably Rohit Sharma & KL Rahul to open Virat at No.3, Suryakumar at No.4, Rishabh at No. 5, Hardik – even if he is not bowling, he is picked as someone who can finish the game – Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul Chahar, Shami, Bumrah and the last choice will be between Shardul Thakur and Bhuvneshwar Kumar”, he further added.

It has to be noted that Ishan Kishan, who scored 70 off 46 balls in the warm-up game against England, didn’t find a place in Parthiv’s XI. Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was another notable absentee from the line-up. Meanwhile, India defeated England by seven wickets in their first warm-up game of the competition.

With England possessing a strong team, the win would have given India a great boost. They are slated to play one more warm-up match – against Australia on October 24 – before meeting Pakistan.

Parthiv Patel’s India Playing XI for Pakistan clash: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah