The Indian cricket team has had a phenomenal run in the group stage of the ongoing World Cup. India has finished on top of the points table with 15 points. Kohli and co. are riding high on confidence with just one loss in 9 games. Going into the semi-finals, India will face New Zealand on Tuesday, 9th July. The two teams were against each other in the league game as well. However, the rain washed out that game.
While India rides high on confidence, New Zealand is on a three-match losing streak. They have to punch well above their weight to beat India in the semi-finals. India will be going into this match as overwhelming favourites.
Sachin Tendulkar has selected his combination for the semi-finals. According to the legend, Jadeja should be in the XI. According to the God of cricket, Kohli’s boys have been going in with five bowlers. Jadeja’s inclusion will provide them with the sixth bowling option.
“Jadeja is one option I would like to throw on the table of team management. I feel if Dinesh Karthik is going to bat at no.7, Jadeja could be a better option. This is because Jadeja’s left arm spin can come in handy for the team. You want to have a cover-up in a big match because we have been playing only 5 bowlers,” Tendulkar said.
Bring Shami back
Sachin also feels that Mohammed Shami should be brought back in the XI. The pacer, who has been on fire in this World Cup was rested in the final league game against Sri Lanka. Shami has taken 14 wickets in just 4 games. Sachin however, feels that Shami should definitely make a comeback into the side, as he had taken 4 wickets for just 16 runs in the game against West Indies which was at the same venue.
“I would be tempted to have Shami back into the side because he had a good game against the Windies here. Old Trafford has given some pleasant experiences to Shami before as well,” said Tendulkar.
There is going to be a big headache for the team management regarding team selection. Shami or Bhuvneshwar Kumar or both of them is one big question for the management.
