Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammad Shami wait for India comeback chance in World Cup

India are unwilling to make many changes to their playing XI when they face Bangladesh in their World Cup match in Pune on Thursday, wary of disrupting a winning combination and also of the spate of upsets in the tournament.

Rohit Sharma's team have won their first three games of the World Cup, including big wins over Australia and Pakistan.

However, Afghanistan have altered the course of the tournament after stunning defending champions England in New Delhi, before the Netherlands handed South Africa their first defeat at this World Cup in Dharamsala on Tuesday.

Hosts India, therefore, are likely to play it safe against the Tigers, who have held the upper hand against them in recent white-ball matches.

"When you enter a World Cup, every team will pose you a challenge," bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said.

"From our perspective, I don't think we'll take any team lightly. Be it Bangladesh or Netherlands, we want to treat every game equally. Every game for us is important, every opponent for us is important."

ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 - India v Pakistan

That means experienced seamer Mohammed Shami and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin could remain on the sidelines.

Ashwin played the first match against the Aussies, picking up 1-34 in 10 overs to set up victory.

"He [Ashwin] has been a great lad," said Mhambrey. "He understands that, he's a great team guy.

"I've never seen him grumpy; I haven't seen him complaining any time for any of the last few years that he's been with us.

"Even after so many years, I think he's there, he wants to do well for the team, he turns up every practice session, goes through the rigorous grinds and he keeps bowling."

What has allowed India to continue with their current attack is the form of