Mohammed Shami or Ravichandran Ashwin - Who will get the nod to play against New Zealand in Dharamshala?

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The Indian national cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma have been on a roll in the ongoing edition of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023, in which they registered a hat-trick of wins.

The top order has fared well and so has the middle order, which played according to the situation. Fast bowlers and spinners have ticked the boxes and ensured to keep the opposition batters in check.

Indian team's bench strength is so good that even experienced campaigners such
as Mohammed Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin have been biding the time.

Ravi Ashwin featured in the starting XI for the team's opening encounter against Australia in Chennai but was not picked for the next two games against Afghanistan and Pakistan.

On the contrary, Mohammed Shami hasn't played a match in this edition's World Cup.
Dharamshala exhibited more swing compared to other venues in World Cup 2023

Meanwhile, the big question lingering in the Indian cricket fraternity's minds - is when will Mohammed Shami get a chance to feature in the starting XI and when will Ravi Ashwin be a regular starter, given his rich experience in the big events.

Recently, India's all-rounder Hardik Pandya inadvertently hurt his left ankle against
Bangladesh in Pune. He was sent for scans and further results are awaited. The Indian team hopes that it is not a big concern but it is certain that he will not be a part of the upcoming significant clash against New Zealand on October 22 (Sunday).

With Hardik Pandya not part of the clash for now, the Indian team management is forced to tweak changes to crank out a well-balanced playing XI. Historically, the pitch in Dharamshala has been conducive to the fast bowlers and hence a similar pitch is expected for the marquee clash.

As a result, Mohammed Shami, who is yet to mark his presence in this year's World Cup is more likely to get the nod over Ashwin. The conditions in Dharamshala have exhibited more swing compared to other venues in the tournament.

Shami has played two ODIs in Dharamshala, wherein he accounted for 3 dismissals. Fast bowlers are expected to ruffle the batsmen's feathers and the team that wins the toss will look to bowl first.