Asia Cup 2023: Revealed - Why Mohammed Shami isn't included in India XI for IND vs PAK Group A match

Mohammed Shami is not part of the big India-Pakistan Group A clash of Asia Cup 2023.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has won the toss against Pakistan in their high-voltage Asia Cup opener. Team India suffered two big setbacks before their big clash in the tournament. Just before flying to Colombo, Indian coach Rahul Dravid announced that KL Rahul would be missing out on the first two league games. Now, just before the start of the Pakistan clash, team India have suffered another huge setback as Mohammed Shami is not in the playing XI in India’s opening game. A crucial wicket-taking bowler, Shami is missing out on the action against Pakistan.

Mohammed Shami Injured?

Team India went in without Mohammed Shami in the pace attack and have allowed Mohammed Siraj to share the pace bowling lineup along with Jasprit Bumrah and Shardul Thakur. Panelists in the pre-match show informed that Mohammed Shami doesn’t look 100% fit, and because of that, he didn’t get an opportunity in the big business clash against Pakistan. Everyone is awaiting an official statement on Mohammed Shami, as his presence remains a crucial cog in the wheel for India in their playing XI.

Mohammed Shami stayed away from the game after the World Test Championship finals against Australia at The Oval and didn’t travel with team India on West Indies tour as well for Ireland T20I series. Other than Shami, there is good news for the fans, as Shreyas Iyer will be making his comeback in Indian playing XI after almost six-weeks. Iyer was out of action due to a back injury. In place of KL Rahul, wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan has been drafted into the playing XI, and he can bat at number 3, possibly with Virat Kohli shifting down to number 4.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first at Pallekele Stadium in Kandy. There was rain around central Sri Lanka in the morning, but the weather has now cleared and the game is starting on time. Pakistan captain Babar Azam also revealed in the toss that his team was also looking to bat first. Pakistan entered the game without making any changes to their playing XI. Fans are eagerly awaiting the tussle between Shaheen Afridi and Rohit Sharma in the first innings. This is the first time in four years that these two teams are taking on each other in a one-day international.