IND vs AUS: Zaheer Khan Suggests Team India To Pick Three Spinners For Their 1st ICC World Cup 2023 Match Against Australia

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has recommended that the Rohit Sharma-led team consider playing all three spinners in the playing XI against Australia. Zaheer Khan picked Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as seamers, with Hardik Pandya as an all-rounder.

The Men in Blue will commence their ICC World Cup 2023 campaign against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, October 8. The team has selected three spinners in their squad, including Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Shardul Thakur Will Have To Miss Out – Zaheer Khan

In a video shared by Cricbuzz on YouTube, Zaheer Khan emphasized that India should prioritize spin bowling in Chennai, considering the spin-friendly conditions. Khan suggested omitting Shardul Thakur to accommodate all three spinners.

“When you are playing in Chennai, the first discussion should be about accommodating three spinners. With Hardik Pandya there, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will be the two frontline seamers.

“I feel that all three spinners will be in the playing XI. Shardul Thakur will have to miss out,” Zaheer said.

According to recent news reports, Ravichandran Ashwin participated in an intensive net session, focusing on both batting and bowling at the Chepauk Stadium. This suggests his likely inclusion in the highly anticipated World Cup match between the two favorites.

Australia Have Struggles Against Spin – Virender Sehwag

During the same conversation, former cricketer Virender Sehwag emphasized the importance of picking three spin bowlers for the Chennai match. Sehwag pointed out that Australia have had difficulties facing spin, given their recent losses.

“You generally associate slow and turning wickets with Chennai. We have a very strong spin department with Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja.

“We have seen very recently that Australia have struggled against spin. They lost the first two games. There wasn’t much turn in the third ODI, which is why they played better and won.”

Australia and India faced each other in a three-match ODI series just before the World Cup. The hosts dominated the series, winning the first two games. However, the visitors bounced back to win the third and final match.

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