T20 World Cup 2021: Irfan Pathan names India’s playing XI for Pakistan clash, no place for R Ashwin, Rahul Chahar

The high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash is coming closer with each passing day and fans can’t keep calm. Both teams will be kick-starting their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign in this game and would like to emerge victorious. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host the much-awaited clash on October 24. Notably, Pakistan have never defeated India in a World Cup event.

While the Men in Blue defeated them seven times in 50 over World Cups, Pakistan suffered humiliation five times in T20 World Cups. Considering the current strength of the Indian team, the Virat Kohli-led side is expected to extend the winning streak. However, the Indian team management has some important decisions to make ahead of the Pakistan clash.

With Ishan Kishan being in red-hot form, many reckon he should be accommodated in the side. Also, it would be interesting to see whether Hardik Pandya, who didn’t bowl a single over in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, will be included as a pure batter. With such dilemma being in the selection, many members of cricket fraternity have been opining on India’s ideal combination.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan is the latest to join the bandwagon. Speaking on Star Sports, the southpaw didn’t consider Kishan while he kept Pandya at the number six position. The top three – Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli – picked themselves up while Suryakumar Yadav was slotted at number four.

Varun Chakaravarthy picked ahead of Rahul Chahar, R Ashwin in Irfan Pathan’s line-up

Interestingly, Pathan included neither Rahul Chahar nor Ravichandran Ashwin. Varun Chakaravarthy was the only specialist spinner in the side with Ravindra Jadeja being the all-rounder. In Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, Pathan named three quick bowlers in his side.

Meanwhile, India will step into the important game with great confidence. After all, they comprehensively defeated teams like Australia and England in the practice games. However, the Men in Blue can’t afford to be complacent as the Pakistan side is also studded with several match-winners.

Irfan Pathan’s India Playing XI for Pakistan clash: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah