T20 World Cup: Sanju out of match against Pakistan; two changes in Indian team

COLOMBO: There have been two changes in the Indian team that is set to face Pakistan in the classic clash of the Twenty20 World Cup. The most notable change is the omission of Malayali star Sanju Samson from the playing eleven. Apart from Sanju, pacer Arshdeep Singh may also be left out, the Indian Express reported. It is reported that young player Abhishek Sharma and spinner Kuldeep Yadav will be included in the team instead.

Sanju lost his place after Abhishek, who missed the last match against Namibia due to a stomach infection, regained his fitness. Abhishek will open with Ishan Kishan. Captain Suryakumar Yadav hinted at Abhishek's inclusion in the team at a press conference. Fans are also waiting for Abhishek, who has a good record against arch-rivals, to show his explosive batting performance.

Similarly, Kuldeep was included in the team instead of Arshdeep considering the pitch at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo that favours spinners. Kuldeep's record as a premier threat to Pakistan’s batting lineup, including in the Asia Cup final, is a confidence booster for India. India and Pakistan have faced each other eight times in the history of the T20 World Cup, with India winning seven of those encounters, while Pakistan has secured victory once.

However, there is a threat of heavy rain in Colombo, where the match is to be held. Since there is no reserve day for group stage matches, if the match is interrupted due to rain, both teams will get one point each. This will cause huge financial losses for the stadium authorities and broadcasters.