India May Opt for Two Pacers in Super 8 Stage of T20 World Cup

The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, has secured its place in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup. While India played its Group Stage matches in the USA, its Super 8 matches will be held in the West Indies. The pitches in the West Indies are expected to differ significantly from those in New York, where India played its first three matches.

The variable bounce and unsettled pitch in New York made it challenging for teams to score big. However, in the West Indies, India is likely to encounter pitches similar to those they play on at home. This may mean that fielding four pacers (three specialists and one allrounder) may not always be the optimal strategy.

In the New York leg of the tournament, India fielded three pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh. Former Indian captain Anil Kumble believes that Arshdeep Singh has emerged as a strong contender for the second seamer position.

"The way he (Arshdeep) bowled that last over against Pakistan, and also the way he can bowl in different areas in the T20 game, I think certainly puts him ahead of Mohammed Siraj," Kumble told ESPNCricinfo. "If at all India takes that option of going with just the two seamers and Hardik Pandya, then yes, in that sense, plus he also gives you an extra variety with his left-arm pace."

If India opts for only two seamers, it may consider playing either Kuldeep Yadav or Yuzvendra Chahal in place of a dropped pacer. Shivam Dube, despite his performance against the USA, has not been in great form. The team management may consider bringing in Sanju Samson in his place. However, the Rohit Sharma-led team may be hesitant to disrupt a winning combination.

Predicted XI:

* Rohit Sharma

* Virat Kohli

* Rishabh Pant

* Suryakumar Yadav

* Shivam Dube

* Hardik Pandya

* Ravindra Jadeja

* Axar Patel

* Kuldeep Yadav

* Jasprit Bumrah

* Arshdeep Singh

Tags: #T20WorldCup, #IndiaCricketTeam, #RohitSharma, #AnilKumble, #ArshdeepSingh