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Picture Credit: Twitter

Team India had a perfect start to their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign as the Men in Blue defeated their arch-rivals, Pakistan in the first game. India registered a four-wicket win over the Babar Azam-led side to avenge their defeat from last year. Virat Kohli played an inning of the ages as the former India captain scored an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls. Hardik Pandya also played a pivotal role in India’s win. 

The 28-year-old claimed three wickets with the ball while giving away only 30 runs in his four overs and also scored 40 crucial runs. Had Hardik not stayed there with Kohli, it was impossible for India to pull off a win from the situation they were in. Nevertheless, Pandya stayed when it mattered. With the match going down to the wire, every player was involved and almost got drained at the end. 

Now, as India are getting ready for their second group stage game, scheduled against the Netherlands, the obvious question pops up, will India change their playing XI from the last game? As indicated by bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, the chances are very low. Mhambrey has said that the management has no plans of resting any player. However, looking at the performance of a few players, Rohit Sharma might give change a try. 

So, here is India’s playing XI for the match against the Netherlands. 

Batters

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India is expected to play all the four frontline batters: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav. Although KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav did not do the expected job against Pakistan, the management will back the two batters to come good against the Netherlands. Meanwhile, after an inning of the ages, Virat Kohli will also be featuring in India's playing XI. 

All-rounders

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India played three all-rounders against Pakistan: Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya and R Ashwin. However, two of them did not perform up to expectations. Axar Patel had a forgettable outing as he conceded 21 runs in the only over, he bowled and got run out when sent in to bat. Meanwhile, R Ashwin also failed to take a wicket, but the veteran spinner did contain the flow of runs to an extent. He also kept a calm head while batting and hit the winning runs for India. So, he will retain his place in the XI alongside Hardik Pandya.

Wicketkeeper

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The management still looks skeptic about giving Rishabh Pant a chance with Dinesh Karthik doing a fine job behind the stumps. Plus, Karthik's prowess with the bat will always come in handy for the team. Although Karthik could not do the job against Pakistan, he will make it to the playing XI against the Netherlands.

Bowlers

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India played three pacers against Pakistan and all of them impressed everyone with their performances. While Arshdeep Singh took three wickets including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled an economical spell along with a wicket. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami was potent as ever in his spell of four overs. However, India felt the need of a wrist spinner, but Yuzvendra Chahal did not get a nod for the match against the Netherlands.

The only change that Rohit Sharam and Rahul Dravid might consider is replacing Axar Patel with Yuzvendra Chahal. Although this will affect the batting depth, India has enough people to do the job with the bat. What’s required is someone who can trouble the batters which Patel failed to do against Pakistan. He was predictable and conceded 21 runs in a single over he bowled.