ICC World Cup 2019: Match 28, India vs Afghanistan - India's Predicted Playing XI

Indian National Cricket Team have made an excellent start to their ICC World Cup 2019 campaign. They have won three of the four matches while one had to call off due to heavy showers. India will hope to keep the winning run going when they face minnows Afghanistan on June 22 (Saturday) at Rose Bowl in Southampton.

India not taking Afghanistan lightly

The Men in Blues will be without Shikhar Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. While Dhawan will miss the rest of the tournament owing to a fractured thumb, Bhuvneshwar has a hamstring pull and will miss two-three games. As a result, India will have to make a few forced changes in their playing XI from the match against Pakistan. Mohammed Shami, who had an outstanding time leading to the World Cup will slot in place of Bhuvneshwar while Vijay Shankar if fit, is likely to play in the middle order.

Virat Kohli & Co has admitted that they will play with the same intensity and won’t take the bottom-placed Afghans likely. India will aim to secure two vital points and go one step closer to the semifinals.

Here is the predicted playing XI of India for match 28 of the ICC World Cup 2019 against Afghanistan at the Rose Bowl in Southampton:

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ROHIT SHARMA

Rohit Sharma has been in supreme form since the start of the World Cup. He has scored two centuries and half-century in the first three games and will look continue the excellent form in the upcoming matches.

KL RAHUL

KL Rahul adjusted well in the top-order and scored a fine half-century. The Karnataka batsman will have to keep up the good work and forge good opening partnerships alongside Rohit Sharma as India aim to lift the World Cup on July 14.

VIRAT KOHLI

Virat Kohli has been among the runs for India in the World Cup. He has hit a couple of fifties and will hope to convert it into three-figure marks. Kohli’s form with the bat will be crucial going deep into the tournament.

VIJAY SHANKAR

Vijay Shankar impressed with the ball in the game against Pakistan. The all-rounder will have to live upto the expectations shown by the management and contribute to all the departments against minnows Afghanistan. Shankar will also hope to put some runs on his back and take some confidence going deep into the tournament.

Also Read : ICC World Cup 2019: Match 28, India vs Afghanistan – Match Prediction

MS DHONI

MS Dhoni has looked good with the bat right from the start of 2019 which will be a massive advantage for India in this tournament. Besides, he is currently the best wicket-keeper in the business, and his presence behind the wicket is a massive support to the young bowlers.

KEDAR JADHAV

Kedar Jadhav is a crucial stakeholder in this line-up. The all-rounder can use his muscles in the lower-order, and his round-arm off-breaks are a weapon to Virat Kohli when he needs a breakthrough in the middle over. Kedar who is yet to make significant contributions will look to score some runs and as the tournament approaches its business end.

HARDIK PANDYA

Many tipped Hardik Pandya to be the X-factor for India in the World Cup, and the all-rounder has already started to make his presence felt. He had a good outing against Pakistan, and the management will hope Pandya to continue with the role.

KULDEEP YADAV

Kuldeep Yadav had a stunning game against arch-rivals Pakistan which will give him a lot of confidence for the remainder of the World Cup. His partnership with Yuzvendra Chahal has been of massive significance for India in the last two years, and they need to continue the excellent job.

MOHAMMED SHAMI

Many were taken aback when Mohammed Shami didn’t make to the team sheet in the first match against South Africa. He has been in superb form leading to the World Cup, and with Bhuvneshwar Kumar missing, this will be Shami’s ideal opportunity to make a mark.

YUZVENDRA CHAHAL

Yuzvendra Chahal can turn out to be India’s match-winner in this marquee event. He has so far claimed six wickets and will hope to improve his tally against Afghanistan. Kohli & Co will expect Chahal to dominate the proceedings as they aim their fourth victory.

JASPRIT BUMRAH

Jasprit Bumrah has entered the World Cup as the top-ranked ODI bowler, and he has certainly lived up to the expectations so far. However, Bumrah will have to consistently deliver for India if they want to return home with the third World Cup title.