In the upcoming iconic India vs. Pakistan clash, the weather is set to spoil the moods of fans and cricket pundits in the Asia Cup. According to the latest weather reports, Kandy is set to receive low to moderate rain on September 2 from morning to night at 9 PM. This will surely hurt fans’ and cricket pundits’ plans to watch the India vs. Pakistan game after a gap of one year.
The biggest match of the tournament is set to take place on Saturday when India will face host Pakistan in Kandy. Ahead of the iconic clash, the Sri Lankan Metrological Department has issued rain alerts in the city. According to the MET, there is a 60 per cent chance of rain during the game. Humidity will also be a challenge, as it might stay at 98 throughout the day.
However, the chances of rain might also impact India’s team combinations. The team might go with three out-and-out pacers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammad Siraj, along with spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Ravindra Jadeja might play as a second spin option. However, the team might think of fielding Shardul Thakur to improve their batting abilities.
Will KL Rahul’s absence impact the team’s performance?
In a shocking turn of events on Tuesday, India head coach Rahul Dravid revealed that wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul is yet to attain his fitness level. According to Dravid, Rahul is not fit for the first two games and will rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. This means he won’t travel with the Indian team for the first leg of the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.
In his absence, team management needs to find solid and stable team combinations. India might go with Ishan Kishan as wicketkeeper-batsman, but his performance in the middle order will be under scrutiny. Kishan has performed exceptionally as an opener but is yet to establish himself as a middle-order batter. Similarly, Sanju Samson is not in the squad, and his playing in the Asia Cup might rule KL Rahul out of the World Cup in 2023.
