IND v ENG 2021: "Can challenge England with this line up" - Laxman on India's playing XI in 1st ODI

Prasidh Krishna and Krunal Pandya made their ODI debuts for India in the 1st ODI vs England.

By Rashmi Nanda - 23 Mar, 2021

Legendary Indian batsman VVS Laxman believes that the Indian Cricket Team has fielded a balanced XI in the first ODI of the three-match series against England being played in Pune from Tuesday (March 23), saying the hosts can challenge the world champions with this line-up.

On Tuesday, India captain Virat Kohli made a couple of bold choices, giving debut caps to the all-rounder Krunal Pandya and fast bowler Prasidh Krishna while resting in-form Rishabh Pant to stick with KL Rahul as wicketkeeper for India in the first ODI against England.

Read Also: IND v ENG 2021: "Prasidh Krishna was in reckoning for India for a long time," reveals Sanjay Bangar

Well, India's new batting sensation Suryakumar Yadav wasn’t also picked in India’s XI, as the hosts went with tried and tested batting line-up of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, while Hardik and Krunal Pandya are the two all-rounders in the line-up.

Kuldeep Yadav also returned to India’s playing XI with Yuzvendra Chahal and Krunal among the spinners while Bhuvneshwar Kumra and Krishan are the two fast-bowling options for India in the first ODI and Laxman feels this team can beat England to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

Laxman said on Star Sports: “Yes, India can challenge the world champions with this line-up. There is a lot of experience and exuberance in that batting line-up. They have experience in form of Dhawan, Rohit, Virat, KL Rahul. Opportunity for Krunal Pandya.”

Read Also: IND v ENG 2021: WATCH- Krunal receives ODI cap from Hardik; Pandya brothers share emotional hug

He further added, “In the bowling line-up, there is also good balance, and also variety. There is Kuldeep Yadav, who can show, who would be looking to make an impact. Prasidh Krishna, what a great opportunity for him to represent the country. Truly, truly a future star for our country.”

Laxman signed off by saying, “It's a good balance. It's just about posting at least 50 runs more than the par score, and then you can put pressure on England.”

By Rashmi Nanda - 23 Mar, 2021

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