Hardik Pandya & SKY Out, R Ashwin In; Here's India's Playing XI vs England

image-lo5lirfeHardik Pandya is unlikely to play against England [AP]

In a massive setback for team India, ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya has reportedly been ruled out for two to three matches in the World Cup. As a result, he won't participate in India's all-important clash against England in Lucknow. 

Notably, Pandya injured his feet while bowling during India's fourth group-stage game against Bangladesh. In such a scenario, India dropped Shardul Thakur, replacing him with Mohammed Shami, while Suryakumar Yadav was included as Pandya's replacement at number six. 

Although Suryakumar Yadav got out cheaply against the Kiwis, India are likely to persist with him, at least for this match. 

So, as Pandya continues to recover, India will probably continue with the same team that took the field against New Zealand in Dharamsala. Therefore, Rohit Sharma will continue to open alongside Shubman Gill, with Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja slotted in the middle order. 

Talking about the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will open the bowling, with Mohammed Shami playing as the third seamer. Kuldeep Yadav will spearhead the spin attack alongside Jadeja in the middle overs. 

However, if a turning track is dished out in Lucknow, India might think to bring Ravichandran Ashwin back in the playing XI in place of a seamer. 

Considering Mohammed Shami bagged a fifer against New Zealand and could get some old ball swing in those conditions, India could rest Siraj for this game if they really want Ashwin in the XI. 

India's probable playing XI vs England

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin/Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah