Abhishek Nayar Names His India's Playing XI Against Australia In ICC World Cup 2023, Leaves Out Ishan Kishan

Former India cricketer Abhishek Nayar has unveiled his Rohit Sharma-led team’s playing XI for the first game of the upcoming World Cup 2023. Abhishek Nayar has dropped young wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan for the game against Australia in the marquee event.

The much-awaited World Cup is set to commence on October 5 with the match between 2019 semifinalists England and Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. A total of 48 matches will be played in the tournament across the 10 venues in India.

The Rohit Sharma-led team is considered one of the favourites to win the title in the 10-team tournament, considering their familiarity with the conditions. The Indian team won the trophy under the leadership of MS Dhoni in the last ICC ODI tournament in 2011.

The Men in Blue will kick off their campaign in the World Cup with a match against the Pat Cummins-led team at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8. The home team, India, lost to the Men in Yellow at this iconic venue in the ODI match earlier this year.

Abhishek Nayar Names India’s Playing XI

In a conversation with Star Sports ahead of the third ODI between India and Australia, Abhishek Nayar named India’s playing XI for the match against Australia in the World Cup. Nayar opted for Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as his first-choice openers in the lineup.

The 39-year-old named star batter Virat Kohli in his natural position at No. 3, followed by Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, who will also don the gloves, in the middle order. Ishan Kishan was the notable exclusion from Nayar’s playing XI, considering his recent performances.

He picked Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja as his two all-rounders in the team. He excluded Shardul Thakur from his lineup and added an extra spinner, considering that the pitch favours spinners. Ravichandran Ashwin will bat at No. 8 if Axar Patel is unavailable.

The KKR assistant coach picked Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj as his first-choice bowlers. Mohammed Shami failed to make it into Nayar’s playing XI. Hardik Pandya is expected to contribute a few overs as the third pacer in the bowling attack.

Abhishek Nayar’s Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin/Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Also read: “Shubman Gill Is Touted To Be The Next Big Thing” – Abhishek Nayar Lauds Young Opener’s Batting Approach