The roster of India’s 15-member squad for the impending ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled to commence on October 5, has been officially unveiled. The decision-making process culminated following a meeting held late last night, post the India-Pakistan match abandonment due to inclement weather.
In attendance were the esteemed triumvirate of head coach, Dravid, captain Rohit Sharma, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The selection committee convened explicitly for this purpose, with Agarkar making a special pilgrimage to Palekal for the occasion.
Stringent deadlines loomed over the ICC World Cup 2023, mandating that all participating nations disclose their respective squads by the stipulated date of September 5. The Indian Cricket Board apprised the media that their announcement would coincide with the culmination of the Asia Cup encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.
A pivotal factor alleviating the selection committee’s burdensome task was the recovery of K.L. Rahul, who had been undergoing intensive rehabilitation for his injuries. Initially sidelined for the opening two matches of the Asia Cup, Rahul is now poised to rejoin the Indian contingent during the Super Four stage in Sri Lanka.
Notably, in the India-Pakistan showdown, marred by weather disruptions, the men in blue managed to mount a commendable total of 266 for the loss of just two wickets, largely owing to a formidable 138-run partnership between Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya, after India had suffered the early setback of losing four wickets for a mere 66 runs.
Ishan Kishan’s stellar performance, contributing 81 runs, ultimately secured his berth in the World Cup 2023 squad. Conversely, Sanju Samson, initially the second-choice reserve wicketkeeper for the Asia Cup, missed out on a place in the World Cup lineup.
Notably, the Asia Cup roster included Tilak Verma, who, regrettably, did not secure a spot in the World Cup squad. While the expectations were high for Ashwin and Chahal to stage a return, they were left disappointed, as the selection committee continued to place their faith in the all-rounder Akshar Patel and the proficient spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Suryakumar Yadav serves as an alternative, should Shreyas Iyer or any other batsman sustain an injury. Suryakumar, often dubbed “Nasibda2,” has encountered a lackluster ODI record, amassing a meager 78 runs across three ODIs in Windies. KL Rahul has been earmarked as the primary choice for the wicketkeeper-batsman role in the World Cup.
The top order boasts the formidable quartet of Rohit Sharma, Gill, Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer. Tilak Verma and Suryakumar remained on standby, with Suryakumar Yadav ultimately clinching the coveted spot.
In the all-rounder department, the triumvirate of Hardik Pandya, Jadeja, and Axar Patel assumes the mantle. The fast bowling brigade comprises Shami, Bumrah, Thakur, and notably, Siraj, while the illustrious Krishna, currently accompanying the team, was not included in the final roster.
It’s worth noting that Kuldeep Yadav stands out as the highest wicket-taker in 2023, amassing a remarkable tally of 22 wickets across 11 matches. Despite some former cricketers voicing reservations about Chahal’s inclusion in the squad, it appears the selection committee remained steadfast in their decision.
The Selection Committee, in their discerning choices, ensured that the batting lineup boasted remarkable depth, thus fortifying the XI.
Team India for World Cup 2023:
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Hardik Pandya (Vice Captain)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Iyer
- K.L. Rahul (VK)
- Jadeja
- Thakur
- Bumrah
- Siraj
- Kuldeep
- Shami
- Akshar
- Kishan (VK)
- Surya Kumar
