India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2023: Team Updates
In the backdrop of a sunny Colombo afternoon on September 10, the Asia Cup 2023 saw India and Pakistan lock horns in the Super Fours match. With both teams showing changes and the stakes high, the cricketing atmosphere was nothing less than electric.
India's lineup witnessed two significant changes ahead of their monumental clash with Pakistan. KL Rahul, who had been sidelined since May due to an injury he sustained during an IPL 2023 match, was reintroduced to the team, replacing Shreyas Iyer. To the dismay of many fans, Iyer had to be left out owing to a back spasm.
Furthermore, in a strategic move, Jasprit Bumrah was recalled to the XI, making way for Mohammed Shami. This return marked the end of Bumrah's hiatus due to paternity leave.
Pakistan, riding high on confidence after a decisive 7-wicket triumph against Bangladesh in Lahore the previous week, chose to stick with their winning combination, announcing an unchanged lineup for the anticipated face-off.
Here's a glance at the teams:
India's Playing XI:
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shardul Thakur
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah
Pakistan's XI (Unchanged):
- Fakhar Zaman
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Babar Azam (Captain)
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)
- Agha Salman
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Shadab Khan
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
Rohit Sharma, India's captain, commented on the team changes, mentioning that Iyer's exclusion was not strategic but was compelled due to his sudden back issue. This was particularly unfortunate as Iyer had recently made a comeback after an extended injury hiatus, having only featured in two group-stage matches in this Asia Cup.
