India and Pakistan reignite their rivalry on Sunday, the 16th of May in what is expected to be a riveting clash at the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. The number two ranked ODI side would hope to continue their unbeaten record at this year’s edition and would also like to extend their unbeaten record against Pakistan in the ICC World Cup. If India are to get across the line in their fourth game, these three players would have to perform to the best of their abilities.
Virat Kohli
The Indian skipper has been the backbone of the batting over the past five or so years, being the most reliable and consistent performers in the sport. Currently the number one ranked ODI batsman, Virat Kohli showed his class in the previous game by scoring a brilliant 82 off just 77 balls and would be keen to continue his fine showing with a big score against the arch rivals. When the two sides met at the 2015 World Cup, Kohli top scored in India’s empathic win with a century and would hold the key on Sunday as well.
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Jasprit Bumrah
The Indian team have been fortunate to have the number one ranked batsman as well as the top ranked bowler in Jasprit Bumrah in fifty over cricket. Since the past year, the pacer has been the spearhead of the Indian attack and has consistently churned out quality performances while maintaining a staggering economy rate under five runs an over.
The 25-year-old has made a fine start to the World Cup, picking up five wickets thus far in two games and him having a good start against Pakistan would go a long way to India remaining unbeaten at the World Cup.
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KL Rahul
The 27-year-old batsman from Karnataka would be centre of the universe when he walks out to open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma to cover in for the injured Shikhar Dhawan. The Indian team’s strength in the recent past has been their top three and with one of those injured, it would be imperative that Rahul steps up and ensures the tradition of having good starts continues for the side. If Rahul were to get out early, it could trigger a top-order collapse; exactly what was the case in the warm-up game against New Zealand.
Feature image courtesy: AFP Photo/ Lindsey Parnaby
