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Should India bring in Shami, Ashwin for South Africa game?

By Harish Kotian
June 09, 2017

South Africa are traditionally weak against spinners, points out Harish Kotian.
Play Selector and pick India's playing eleven for Sunday's do-or-die game at the Oval.

IMAGE: Mohammed Shami. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Title favourites India received a huge jolt when they were shocked by an inexperienced Sri Lankan side in the ICC Champions Trophy on Thursday, June 8.

Defending champions India looked the favourites to advance after they posted a huge 321/6, but their bowlers struggled on a flat wicket at the Oval.

Despite having players unavailable due to injuries, the Sri Lankans came up with a spirited batting performance to cruise to an unlikely victory by 7 wickets and 8 balls to spare.

The defeat leaves India with plenty to ponder ahead of their virtual quarter-final game against South Africa at the Oval on Sunday, June 11.

India need to win the game to advance to the semi-final and in such a scenario getting the team composition right is of utmost importance.

Captain Virat Kohli and Coach Anil Kumble will ponder long and hard over India's bowling attack, which looked pedestrian against the Sri Lankans.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's name will once again come up for discussion.

India missed Ashwin's experience and guile on the slow wicket at the Oval against Sri Lanka, and I believe they will have no choice but to bring back their top spinner for the important game against South Africa, a side traditionally weak against spinners.

A B De Villiers' team struggled against the three Pakistan spinners in the rain-hit game in Birmingham, and India could take a cue from that match and go in with both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

Another player who will come into contention is Mohammed Shami who may replace Umesh Yadav who struggled to make an impression against Sri Lanka.

South Africa has batsmen like Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, A B de Villiers, J P Duminy and Chris Morris, and unless India take early wickets, they would it difficult to keep the South Africans quiet on a good batting wicket at the Oval.

Will India go in with two spinners? Or will Kohli and Kumble keep the faith in the same side despite the humiliating defeat against Sri Lanka?

Do you think India should bring in the experienced duo, Ashwin and Shami?

Please click the boxes below to select your Indian team for the game against South Africa.

Harish Kotian / Rediff.com

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