Kaif's Surprise Pick: Indian Bowler Who Could Trouble Babar Azam In Asia Cup 2023 And It's Not Bumrah

The Indian team is expected to enter the field with three pace bowlers as there is a chance of rain during the start of the game.

Babar Azam in action. ( Image Source :Getty )

Rohit Sharma’s men are ready to battle with Babar Azam’s Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday, at the  Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Amidst of the much-awaited clash, fans and cricket pundits are waiting to see some nail-biting rivalries among the players from both teams. Speaking about the battle, former India player Mohammed Kaif feels that pacer Mohammed Shami can create problems for Babar Azam when India take on Pakistan.

During a conversation, Kaif said Shami is in great form and he led the Indian pace attack well during Bumrah’s absence.

"Mohammed Shami is a fantastic bowler, his form is also very good. And even in Bumrah's absence, he managed the bowling very well. Even his form in the IPL was great. So he has a lot of talent. In my opinion, Babar Azam is going to have a lot of difficulty," Kaif said on Star Sports.

With the perfect seam position and ability to move the ball both ways, Shami can be lethal in front of the Pakistan batters, specially Babar Azam.

“For big games, there is always preparation as we have practiced in the training camp. I don't think we have to analyze too much into the situation, we have the skill and the bowling lineup, so we don't have to think too much. But I have to say one thing, whenever one-day matches come, there has to be focus. So to be focused and to have proper planning,” Shami said.

The Indian team is expected to enter the field with three pace bowlers as there is a chance of rain during the start of the game. Keeping in mind the overcast condition in Kandy, fast bowlers can come in handy. Apart from Bumrah and Shami, Siraj is likely to get the nod in the playing XI. All-rounder Hardik Pandya can come in as the fourth pacer while Kuldeep Yadav is expected to be the lone spinner in the line-up.