In IND vs. AFG, No Gill, Ashwin will most likely make way for Shami
Now it is official that Shubman Gill will not be available for the India vs. Afghanistan match in Delhi; in fact, he is doubtful even for the mega clash between the India and Pakistan cricket teams. In his absence, Ishan Kishan will be in India, playing XI vs. Afghanistan on Wednesday. However, the India Cricket Team will make another change, with Ravichandran Ashwin dropping to the bench for Mohammad Shami in the IND vs. AFG clash in the ICC ODI World Cup in Delhi. In Chennai, India played with three spinners, considering the pitch-assisting seamers. Ashwin did well to restrict Aussie batters with 1/34 in 10 overs.
However, if the South Africa vs. Sri Lanka match is anything to go by, Delhi will be a heaven for batters. And that will spell doom for spinners as well. In such a situation, India will be forced to bench Ashwin and bring back Mohammad Shami. However, Ravindra Jadeja is an automatic choice in any condition. Kuldeep Yadav, who has excelled in Delhi, playing for the Delhi Capitals, will be the second spinner. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will continue, with Hardik Pandya playing as the fourth seamer option.
Ashwin can only keep his place if a different pitch is used for the India vs. Afghanistan clash. In such a scenario, if the pitch is low and slow, like it has been in the case with Delhi in the past, Ashwin will continue to keep Mohammad Shami out.