India vs Nepal, Asia Cup 2023 tip-off XI: Shami returns, Kishan retains middle order spot | Cricket News

Even though rain did play spoilsport during the India-Pakan game on Saturday, it only called off the game after the Indian batters made their first outing of the tournament. That too against a full strength Pakan pace attack, which managed to display why they’ve been touted as the best going into the World Cup as they claimed all ten Indian wickets.
With a month’s time left in the marquee tournament at their home turf, the ongoing continental tournament is expected to give a picture of how India can lineup in the former. As far as Monday’s fixture is concerned, India won’t be tampering too much with their playing XI with a win required against Nepal to qualify for the Super 4 stages.
Kishan to retain No 5 spot
While the Indian top order was rammed down Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf in Pallekele, Ishan Kishan would step up in his role as no. 5, stitching a crucial stand with Hardik Pandya to bail India from 66/4 to 204/5.

Kishan, who finished as India’s top scorer in the West Indies ODI series, was moved to the middle order once captain Rohit Sharma returned for the Asia Cup. And with his counter attacking yet matured innings on Saturday, he seems to have locked that spot.
Even though Shreyas Iyer failed to impress on his return from injury, the team management is likely to give him a longer run. Kishan is also the team’s sole wicketkeeper in the absence of KL Rahul, who was confirmed to miss the opening two games at the Asia Cup head coach Rahul Dravid.

Shami returns
One of the bigger talking points about India’s playing XI against Pakan was the absence of Mohammed Shami. The team had gone in with an extra batting option in Shardul Thakur against a stern bowling attack.
Against Nepal, the management is likely to call in their veteran quick to partner alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj while Hardik Pandey remains as another option.
It will be interesting to see if and when India look towards Axar Patel but with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja both in XI, the need for an extra left arm orthodox is unlikely.

India vs Nepal Pitch Report
Pallekele’s pitch challenged batters on Saturday during the India vs Pakan match. Given the overcast condition, there could be some juice for the seamers on Monday as well.
India vs Nepal Weather ReportMost Read
1
Anurag Kashyap says he feels ‘guilty’ about asking Vicky Kaushal to do his films now, because he can no longer afford him

2
One nation, one election panel: Harish Salve fought in Kulbhushan Jadhav case, told SC Article 370 was ‘political compromise’

See More

The weather forecast for Pallekele is 80 per cent of rain in the morning and around 65 per cent chances of rain in the afternoon
India vs Nepal Predicted XIs
India’s predicted playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj
Nepal predicted XI: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Rohit Paudel (c), Aarif Sheikh, Sompal Kami, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Kushal Malla, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi