He said Jasprit Bumrah and comeback-man Mohammed Shami are a "lethal combination" for any rival if they are fit for the Champions Trophy.
The 31-year-old didn't find a place in the squad against England because of Reddy's recent exploits.
It may be hosting an ODI for the first time since December 22, 2019, but Cuttack has always served up belters and it may be no different this time.
'I believe they have picked the right squad, considering the conditions in the UAE.'
For Shastri, India's recent successes in Test cricket have often been defined by the stubbornness and resilience of the tail-enders.
Who do you think should be part of India's playing for the World Cup match against Bangladesh?
'I think Rohit should play aggressively. You saw how he batted in the ODI World Cup -- he was attacking even in the final. So, I believe his approach will remain the same.'
'I loved the way we kept pushing and kept taking the game on.'
Mohammed Shami was named as the replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup.
Put into bat, Abhishek's onslaught propelled India to their highest powerplay score of 95 studded with 16 boundaries.
Sanju Samson will feel hard done by after being left out and so will Mohammed Siraj.
Fans can expect a wide open tournament in the absence of an overwhelming favourite in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
Jasprit Bumrah is only human and cannot always shoulder the responsibility of bowling opposition out all by himself, skipper Rohit Sharma said.
Former skipper Ricky Ponting predicted that the Baggy Greens will dominate the Rohit Sharma-led side in the five-match series.
IMAGES from the 1st T20I played between India and England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday.
Nasser Hussain called it an 'interesting look' and quipped it might have been a warm towel to keep himself comfortable on a cold Tuesday afternoon in Southampton
India captain Rohit Sharma has backed Virat Kohli to overcome his problems
'I am pretty happy that Puj (Pujara) isn't here.'
Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has criticized Babar Azam for focusing on personal milestones over team success, expressing concerns about Pakistan's preparations ahead of their crucial Champions Trophy clash against India. He believes Pakistan's recent struggles, including a disappointing Tri-Nation Series campaign and a 1-1 draw against the West Indies in a home Test series, point to a lack of readiness for the India encounter.
Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, Mithali Raj, Surya Kumar Yadav among others tweeted their wishes for Dussehra.
K L Rahul struck an unbeaten 75 to anchor their nervy chase against Australia in a low-scoring contest and secure a five-wicket win in the opening one-day international.
Given India's batting collapses in the last two matches, key changes to the playing XI are anticipated.
All about IPL 2025 which kicks off on March 22, Saturday.
The youngsters in the side couldn't have got a better mentor than 'King' Kohli himself to guide them with his words of wisdom.
No separate vehicle for anyone, all players to travel by team bus, BCCI tells state units
Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel smashed half-centuries as India defeated England by four wickets in the first One-Day International in Nagpur.
The Sunrisers are once again betting big on their power-packed batting line-up to deliver the goods in IPL 2025.
The Indian players, who have all taken the Covishield vaccine, are likely to take their second dose in the UK.
The cupboard is bare and it will take some time to prepare another cracking line-up that can match the aura of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma.
'I mean, they can say (he is) not in the scheme of things, he's only for Test cricket or one day cricket but we are playing in Australia. That guy has done well last IPL, so Shami is the must in my team.'
India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir finds himself caught between a rock and hard place.
Mystery spinner bowls in nets as India prep for three-match ODI series vs England.
Shubman Gill's thumb fracture is certainly a "jolt" for India ahead of the series opener against Australia
Beginning with the Eden T20I, the two teams will fight it out in a full white ball series, comprising five T20Is and three ODIs, which will serve as a crucial warm-up for the Champions Trophy, slated to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.
The veteran coach also said both teams would have to be tactfully aware of playing at the MCG.
Mohammed Shami will be needed on a dry Motera surface, which might be conducive for reverse swing.
Shami, who had reached Brisbane after recovering from COVID-19 was named as replacement for an injured Jasprit Bumrah in the squad of 15. He was out of the team for close to three months.
The first half an hour saw only 5 runs being scored and that showed the determination in both Taylor and Williamson's approach. While Jasprit Bumrah could have bowled slightly better in the conditions, Shami and Ishant kept trying to add to the tension as they maintained a disciplined approach. It was about who breaks first.
India's Champions Trophy squad has raised eyebrows with a number of bold selections, including a spin-heavy attack and the exclusion of experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj.
Shami was the standout bowler for the Kings XI Punjab, picking three wickets.
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