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.
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.”
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.”
