Finally, the moment for which thousands of Indian fans were waiting has arrived! The BCCI has announced India’s squad for the World Cup 2023. And the squad looks similar to that of India’s Asia Cup 2023 Squad. Notably, KL Rahul who has been out of action since May 2023 has managed to make a cut in India’s squad for ODI World Cup. India’s first-choice wicket-keeper batter, KL Rahul who was rehabilitation at the NCA is all set to fly to Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s stage. He passed a fitness assessment test at the NCA in September & has received a green chit to join the Indian team in Sri Lanka.
Key Highlights of India’s World Cup 2023 Squad
However, middle-order batter Tilak Verma & fast bowler Prasidh Krishna are the two players who missed out on the current 17-member India’s Asia Cup Squad. There comes bad news for Samson who was named as a reserve player in the Asia Cup 2023 squad but has been left out from India’s World Cup Squad. This will not go well with Sanju Samson fans who have always raised their voice over the exclusion of Samson from marquee events.
While Indian management kept faith in Ishan Kishan who has retained his place in the 15-member World Cup squad as their second wicket-keeper choice along with Rahul. Kishan proved his prowess & proved his worth by playing a brilliant 82-run knock in India’s Asia Cup opening clash against Pakistan held on September 2 at Pallekele. Despite of Ishan Kishan’s stupendous form, the selectors committee picked Suryakumar Yadav in the India Squad for the World Cup as a middle-order option. His figures are not that impressive as he has an average of 24.22 with two ODI fifties in 24 innings. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah & Shreyas Iyer who just like KL Rahul have returned to action with Asia Cup 2023 after nursing long-term injuries have reserved their place in the announced 15-member India Squad for World Cup 2023.
What did Chief Selector Ajit Agarakar say about the announced Squad?
“We encountered a few fitness concerns that required our attention, but All three players—Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shreyas Iyer—who were dealing with long-term injuries are now on the road to recovery,” Chief Selector Agarkar said.
Agarkar also expressed optimism about KL Rahul’s condition, remarking, ‘KL is in excellent form. We believe that this lineup provides us with the optimal balance to achieve success. During the camp in Bangalore, KL displayed exceptional fitness and has successfully overcome his minor injury. He has actively participated in a couple of fixtures over the last two days, both as a wicketkeeper and a batsman, showcasing his readiness to contribute. I think he kept for 50 overs and batted for around 50 overs too, so he looks good and we’re happy to have him.
Bumrah will spearhead the pace attack which includes Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami & Shardul Thakur. While the management has kept faith in Kuldeep Yadav as the frontline wrist-spinner with Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Hardik Pandya coming in as three all-rounders. The management has ignored the inclusion of off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin & wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in the announced squad. This will definitely grab the eyeballs of the fans who will question the exclusion of the World’s No. 1 Test bowler & ODI specialist Yuzvendra Chahal from India’s World Cup squad.
Agarakr’s take on India’s bowling lineup
Speaking about the bowling lineup, Agarkar said, that there will be discussions as Both Jadeja & Axar spin the ball to left-handers but the motive of including them in the squad is that they provide depth to their batting order.
Additionally, Agarkar highlighted the contrasting skill of Kuldeep Yadav, who excels in turning the ball away from the batsmen. While he acknowledged that having an offspinner might be ideal in 50 overs cricket, he stressed that the current squad provides the best balance. Agarkar also noted that in ODIs, seam bowlers play a more prominent role compared to T20 cricket, and the absence of an offspinner could put the team under pressure. Nevertheless, he expressed contentment with the available players.
Though the deadline for announcing the ODI World Cup squad is September 5, teams can make changes to the announced squad until September 28 without any prior approval from the ICC. This gives the Indian team the flexibility to note the progress of players returning from injury & make a final call on their inclusion in the World Cup squad. The management & selection committee has three more ODIs against Australia after the Asia Cup 2023 to judge the performance of the players & make amendments. Notably, India will open their World Cup 2023 Campaign against Australia on October 8 in Chennai.
India’s World Cup squad:
Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (vice-capt), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
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