World Cup 2019: Match 22, Ind vs Pak, India's Predicted Playing 11 & Key Players

Team India's winning momentum was stalled by rain at Nottingham as the Men in Blue had to share points with New Zealand after the match was abandoned without a ball bowled. But the Indian team will not let the washout affect their mindset for the big game against Pakistan.

India will be up against arch-rivals Pakistan in a high octane encounter in Manchester. Following Shikhar Dhawan's injury, team India is set to make some changes in the playing XI. Here is India's predicted playing XI against Pakistan.

Openers

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul

Rohit Sharma will have a new opening partner in KL Rahul against Pakistan. Rohit and Rahul will have their task cut out against an in-form Mohammad Amir.

Middle-order

Virat Kohli, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni

Virat Kohli will be keen to extend his purple patch against Pakistan. Vijay Shankar is set to replace Shikhar Dhawan in the playing XI. MS Dhoni's experience of being part of a number of India-Pakistan matches will come in handy for the Indian team.

All-rounders

Hardik Pandya, Kedar Jadhav

Hardik Pandya will be crucial for India with both bat and ball. Kedar hasn't had to do much in the tournament so far and thus he will be itching to get a go with the bat.

Bowlers

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

While Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah are obvious choices in the playing XI, keeping in mind the expected overcast conditions India might play with an extra seamer. Also, Pakistani batsmen have traditionally been good players of spin bowling and thus Mohammad Shami might replace Kuldeep Yadav in the side.

Key players

Rohit Sharma - Rohit Sharma will have to take extra responsibility in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan. The result of his battle against Amir might decide the outcome of the match.

Hardik Pandya - Hardik Pandya has become an integral part of the Indian side. If he can continue his hitting form against Pakistan, India are sure to continue their unbeaten run against arch-rivals in the World Cup.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar - The conditions at Manchester are tailor-made for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Bhuvi has been mighty effective against left-handers and will surely target Pakistan's two left-handed openers.

India's Predicted Playing 11

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

Also see - IND vs PAK world cup history

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