New Delhi: Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team's dream of making it to the T20 World Cup 2021 has been shattered after New Zealand's win over Afghanistan in Group 2 match of the tournament. India's T20 World Cup campaign ends today as they take on Namibia in a dead-rubber.
The Indian team, led by Virat Kohli, would like to end their campaign with a win. Skipper Kohli will most probably will test his bench strength in this match after being knocked out from the race to the semis. Young players like Ishan Kishan, Rahul Chahar might get a chance in the playing XI against Namibia. Minnows Namibia, on the other hand, will go on the field with the intention of giving a tough competition to India.
If the Indian cricket team management decides to give Ishan Kishan a chance in the playing XI against Namibia, possibly one of the openers KL Rahul or Rohit Sharma might be benched in tonight's match. Ishan had earlier got a chance to play for the national team against New Zealand, but he failed to deliver with the bat. Captain Virat Kohli might also promote Suryakumar Yadav above himself in the dead rubber. Hardik Pandya, who has been raising eyebrows over controversy regarding his fitness, might be rested so that Shardul Thakur gets a place in playing XI.
Rahul Chahar, who has not been included in the playing XI in a single match in the T20 World Cup so far, might also play in tonight's match. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who had a poor outing against Pakistan, can also get a chance in the playing XI. Either Jasprit Bumrah or Mohammed Shami might be benched so that Bhuvneshwar gets included in playing XI.
India's Probable Playing XI: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma/Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya/Shardul Thakur, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Rahul Chahar.