ICC World Cup, India vs England: Unstoppable India face deflated England | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India and England have adopted significantly different strategies, resulting in divergent outcomes in the ongoing World Cup, and this trend is expected to continue in their upcoming clash on Sunday.
India, led by Rohit Sharma, has been performing remarkably well, successfully chasing down their targets in five consecutive games. Their consistent performance has put them on a path to topping the league stage.
In contrast, England, who had set the benchmark in white-ball cricket with their aggressive style of play, find themselves struggling in Indian conditions.The approach that led them to global triumphs in shorter formats has proven less effective in the subcontinent. As defending champions, England now face the possibility of an early exit from the tournament.The clash between India and England is anticipated to be a critical match that may determine the fate of both teams in the World Cup.
Ashwin or Shami or Siraj?
Team India faces a selection dilemma. While India are in a relatively comfortable position in the tournament, they will have to manage without the all-round services of Hardik Pandya for at least the next couple of games.
In typical circumstances, Ravichandran Ashwin would have been the natural replacement for Shardul Thakur on a pitch that is expected to favour spinners. However, Hardik’s absence presents a challenge for the team management, as they will be limited to fielding only five bowlers.
The lineup for Sunday’s game is expected to include Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja. To incorporate Ashwin as the third spinner, Team India faces a decision between Mohammad Siraj and Mohammed Shami, who demonstrated his world-class capabilities with a five-wicket performance in Dharamsala. The choice between these two proven performers presents a significant and challenging decision for the team management.

Opportunity for SKY and Shreyas
India’s performance has showcased a template that rival teams may look to emulate. With aggressive stroke play in the powerplay, Indian batters have mastered the art of chasing, whether they are cruising to victory or facing high-pressure situations, as they did against Australia.
In the absence of Hardik, Suryakumar Yadav has taken on the role at number six for the team. Although he experienced an unfortunate run-out in his first game of the competition, Yadav, known for his X-factor, will be eager to make a significant impact.

The discussion around Shreyas Iyer’s struggles against short-pitched deliveries has resurfaced following his dismissal in Dharamsala. Iyer will be motivated to silence his critics and prove his mettle in the upcoming matches.
Shubman Gill, who missed the first couple of games due to dengue, is poised for a standout performance, and fans in Lucknow might witness Virat Kohli’s 49th century, potentially equaling a historic record.
Local wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, is ready to challenge England’s batters at the state-of-the-art stadium. His recent test against Daryl Mitchell will have prepared him for the England challenge, and he is eager to showcase his skills in front of his home crowd.

Will England change their approach?
England boast a formidable lineup of batting firepower with the likes of Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone, and Harry Brook. Despite their reputation, they have faced challenges, especially in conditions that should be familiar to them.
While aggressive play from the very beginning is a necessity in T20 cricket, the demands of the ODI format require a different approach. England’s batters must adapt to the conditions and adjust their style of play accordingly.
On the Lucknow pitch, which may not favour power-hitting, they will need to show more patience and gauge the conditions better. Joe Root stands out as a batsman with different gears, and others in the team should follow his example.
England’s bowling department has also faced its share of concerns, with star pacer Reece Topley ruled out of the tournament due to injury, with Brydon Carse replacing him. Mark Wood, considered one of the key pacers, is yet to hit top form and will be seeking a turnaround.
However, England’s spin combination of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid could pose a threat to the in-form Indian batters.
The atmosphere at the 50,000 capacity stadium in Lucknow is expected to be electric, with passionate fans cheering on the home team in what promises to be a thrilling clash in the World Cup.
Squads:
England: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya.
Match starts 2 PM IST.
(With inputs from PTI)