Will India be open to making changes for Bangladesh encounter in ODI World Cup 2023? Former India chief selector explains

Team India is all set to take on Bangladesh for their fourth clash of the ODI World Cup 2023 on October 19 at MCA in Pune. Notably, Rohit Sharma and Co. have placed themselves at the top spot after registering a win over Australia in their opening game, whereas they thrashed Afghanistan in their second class before upsetting traditional rivals Pakistan on October 14.

India and Bangladesh last met during the last game of the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2023, where the Shakib-Al-Hasan side beat the Men in Blue by 6 runs. Notably, Team India played that game after giving rest to their five main players. However, former India cricketer MSK Prasad has shared some changes that India can make in their next clash against Bangladesh.

The former right-handed batsman feels India are playing with the correct squad as they have used star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin against Australia owing to the spin-friendly pitch, whereas Shardul Thakur replaces him in the next two clashes.

“They are using horses for courses and it is working fantastically well for the team. If you see they used Ashwin in Chennai and Shardul for the other two games (in Delhi and Ahmedabad). Last game, Shardul was not required as the others did the job (he bowled only two overs),” MSK Prasad told news agency PTI.

Replacements are very clear right now for Team India: MSK Prasad

The former Indian Cricket Board selector feels that Mohammed Shami will take over from Siraj. In addition, the 48-year-old believes that star middle-order batsman Suryakumar Yadav can replace Shreyas Iyer if there is a need, whereas Ishan Kishan can bat at the top over Shubman Gill. Further, the Guntur-born cricketer feels Ashwin or Shardul can come in the playing XI according to pitches.

“Shami will come into picture if they want to rotate Siraj. Replacements are very clear right now, Sky will replace Shreyas if there is a need, Ishan will replace Gill at the top and Shardul will play if it is a flat deck. Ashwin will come in his place if it is a turning track,” he added further.