R Ashwin Or Shardul Thakur: India's Selection Dilemma Ahead Of Pakistan Clash In Cricket World Cup

The Indian cricket team went into the Cricket World Cup 2023 with a few questions regarding their batting line-up with experts and fans wondering how they will manage the No. 4 conundrum. However, a match-winning knock by KL Rahul against Australia and Shreyas Iyer's return to form against Afghanistan has actually allayed fears and provided the hosts with somewhat of a concrete line-up. Ahead of a crucial match against Pakistan on October 14, that was good news for the fans but just as one question was answered, a new dilemma has reared its head. With Ravichandran Ashwin playing the first game in Chennai and then making way for Shardul Thakur in the next game at Hyderabad, a new question exists about the bowling team combination that can prove to be a major headache for selectors.

Pitch factor

Traditionally, the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is considered to be a paradise for batters with a slight help for fast bowlers. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rashid Khan is a clear exception in a leading wicket-takers list that is dominated by the pace duo of Mohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami. While statistics can show just a portion of the entire story, it surely boosts Shardul's case for selection. The fast bowler has enjoyed a tremendous run of form himself at the Narendra Modi Stadium and when it comes to T20Is at the venue, he is the most successful bowler in history.

Batting can be key

The other major advantage that Shardul has over Ashwin when it comes to the playing XI against Pakistan is the threat that he provides as a batter. In a pitch that is well known for providing able support to batters, the Indian cricket team may look to add more firepower in the batting lineup along with the two