Former India keeper-batter, Farokh Engineer has slammed Rohit Sharma and India for choosing to bowl first in the WTC.
Furthermore, the marquee event between India and Australia is already underway at The Oval as both teams are looking to win the coveted mace.
Engineer says that India’s batters did not want themselves to be exposed to the Australian batting attack on a fresh green track.
India winning the toss, the decision (to bowl first) is a bit surprising but I think the decision was taken because our batsmen do not want to be exposed to the Australian attack on a fresh green track.
Furthermore, he has also stated that Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj will be the key bowlers for India.
Additionally, he has also stated that Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill will also perform well with the bat.
We are hopeful, Mohd Shami and Siraj are effective. I think they will be effective. It’s a bold decision…He (Cheteshwar Pujara) is a key member of the side. So are Virat and Shubman Gill, we have a very good batting lineup. It’s a very good all-round side.
Rohit Sharma says leaving Ashwin out is a tough decision for India
Meanwhile, skipper Rohit Sharma stated after winning the toss that it was a rather tough decision to sit out Ashwin.
India decided to go with four pacers and a lone spinner in Ravindra Jadeja. Srikar Bharat was chosen ahead of Ishan Kishan.
All the decisions have been taken by India on the condition of the pitch at The Oval as the misread the conditions last time at Southampton.
It is tough to leave Ashwin out. He has been a match-winner for us, it is not a great occasion to leave him out, but you have got to do what is best for the team in the given conditions.
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