With Hardik Pandya doubtful for IND vs ENG clash, Wasim Akram solves selection puzzle for Team India

On October 29, Lucknow, India, will host the reigning champions, England, hoping to continue their amazing winning streak. India is currently in first place after winning all five of their previous matches. India had to make a few adjustments before their most recent encounter against New Zealand. Both Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami came in for Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur, respectively. Hardik Pandya had an injury, and thus, he has been recuperating at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Apparently, Hardik Pandya is on track to make a full recovery in time for the big game against England.

3 things you need to know

• India vs England will be played on October 29, 2023
• India are unbeaten in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 so far
• Mohammed Shami was the Player of the Match in the India vs New Zealand

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IND vs ENG: Wasim Akram resolves India's selection conundrum without Hardik Pandya

Wasim Akram thinks India should be cautious and give Hardik Pandya plenty of time to rehabilitate from his injury before rushing him back into action. Wasim has also spoken out in favour of keeping Mohammed Shami in the starting XI. Despite missing the first four games of the World Cup, Shami made a lasting impression by capturing five wickets in the match against New Zealand, demonstrating his prowess and leaving an impression on the tournament. Talking to Sportskeeda, he said:

This squad looks good even without Pandya. If he is fit then well and good. It will be difficult to drop Shami now. I feel India shouldn't risk Pandya (against England) because if it's an injury to a hamstring or quad, then although you feel good initially, you could pull a muscle in the match. So let him recover 100 percent and then you can play him,

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Wasim Akram praised Team India’s management ahead of the IND vs ENG

Due to Mohammed Shami's stellar play, Rohit Sharma now faces a difficult dilemma while deciding which players to choose in his squad. Hardik Pandya may easily replace Suryakumar Yadav in the starting lineup whenever he regains full fitness. However, with Mohammed Shami, the captain must make a difficult decision. It would be tough to decide to bench Shami, but India usually fields a bowling all-rounder at No. 8 in order to strengthen their batting. He added:

Credit to the team management that whenever any player in the squad comes into the XI, he seems ready. When Shami's ball hits the seam, it can deviate either way. That's why I think Shami for me was the player of the match.

Wasim Akram has also spoken highly of the Indian team's preparation for the forthcoming bouts.