Why is Ravindra Jadeja not playing today’s opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 versus South Africa at Southampton
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The Day has finally arrived for the Indian Cricket fans. India are all set to commence their World Cup 2019 ‘Battle for the Crown’ campaign against South Africa at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday.
The all-important toss has been won by the South African captain Faf Du Plessis, who has decided to bat first.
All eyes were on the Indian Cricket Team and their skipper Virat Kohli, as to what combination, especially in the bowling department would they field in their Playing 11 today.
Kohli has opted for the two specialist wrist spinners, and two pacers, along with the all-round services of Hardik Pandya and Kedar Jadhav.
Ravindra Jadeja to miss out
All rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who was brilliant against New Zealand in the first Warm-up match on May 25, has not been included in the Playing 11 for today’s opening match against South Africa.
Kedar Jadhav, who missed both the two Warm-up matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh is back again after regaining his full fitness. He was seen sweating it out in the nets at Southampton a couple of days ago.
Pacer Mohammed Shami will also not be a part of the Indian Playing 11 today, as Kohli has opted for only two fast bowlers- Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar. As per the pitch report too, there is a good covering of white grass on the pitch (not green) and the surface is expected to a two-paced one- which is good news for India.
South go in with two spinners
South Africa on the other hand, gave opted for their second spinner in the squad- the Chinaman Tabraiz Shamsi. Thus both the teams have opted for two leg spinners each- one leg spinner and the other off. South Africa were struck with a heavy blow on Tuesday, as their veteran pacer Dale Steyn was ruled out of the tournament, while the second fast bowler- Lungi Ngidi will be out of action for at least a week, courtesy a hamstring injury which he sustained against Bangladesh the other day.
Hashim Amla is back after missing the game against Bangladesh the other day,which the Proteas ultimately ended up losing. Their other opener- Aiden Markram makes way for him.
India’s Playing 11 for today’s match against South Africa
Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (c), KL Rahul, MS Dhoni (Wk), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah.
South Africa Playing 11
Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (Wk), Francois du Plessis (c), Rassie van der Dussen, JP Duminy, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi.
