India on Tuesday introduced the squad for the ODI World Cup because of begin in India from October 5, with the untested KL Rahul – getting back from an extended harm layoff – being named within the squad. Whereas Rahul has cleared the health take a look at on the Nationwide Cricket Academy (NCA), he has had no recreation time since injuring his hamstring in the course of the IPL earlier this yr.
The 15-member staff wore the identical look because the 17-member staff presently enjoying in Asia Cup, with two modifications – Prasidh Krishna and rookie Tilak Varma missed out.
06:22
Match-again KL Rahul in India’s 15-member World Cup squad
Including depth to the batting was the centre difficulty of the choice assembly. That line of considering labored in favour of Shardul Thakur, who pipped Prasidh Krishna for the fourth pacer’s spot moreover Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj.
Axar Patel’s choice forward of specialist spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal additionally revolved across the identical principle.
The squad lacks an off-spinning allrounder. Selectors, who’ve opted for an additional left-arm spinner, might have thought of R Ashwin or Washington Sundar. The previous’s expertise, temperament and consciousness shall be missed. Keep in mind how he let go the Mohd Nawaz supply within the final over to win us the sport in opposition to Pakistan in final yr’s T20 World Cup. There isn’t any left-arm pacer both. Additionally, we hope the gamble to incorporate Surya, who’s but to show himself within the style, pays off.
“We have to create that depth (in batting and bowling) because it was missing in our staff for the previous few years. After we speak about depth in batting, that No. 9, No. eight positions develop into very essential,” India captain Rohit Sharma mentioned whereas because the staff was introduced in Pallekele on Tuesday.
“That is the perfect we will do with steadiness and depth. We’ve got three allrounders within the staff, 4 bowlers and 6 batters. We’ve got thought of it rather a lot and named this squad. That is the perfect mixture for us,” he added.
“The 50-over format is completely different, particularly the place you play 9 league video games and semifinals and finals – 11 video games. There’s at all times an opportunity so that you can make a comeback. It offers you extra time to consider technique and what you are going to execute as a staff. Sure, the ODIs do offer you a little bit extra respiration area,” Rohit mentioned, explaining the rationale behind having extra allrounders than specialists within the squad.
The main focus was at all times going to be on bringing stability to an Indian middle-order that has develop into shakier by the day in ODI cricket. The accidents to KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant this yr meant the uncertainty dragged proper as much as the choice assembly.
Suryakumar Yadav, regardless of his atypical ODI report, has discovered a spot on the again of his T20 performances and expertise of enjoying two T20 World Cups. Rahul has been recognized as the perfect guess to bat at No. 5 whereas Iyer is slated to begin at No. 4.
19:48
India cricket World Cup squad: Sanju Samson loses out once more; KL Rahul will get one other probability | Watch Full press convention
WHO WILL KEEP WICKETS?
As TOI reported on Monday, Rahul’s wicket-keeping health in a full 50-over match is but to be ascertained. “KL is trying good. We really feel this offers us the perfect steadiness to attempt to do effectively. KL was a part of the camp in Bangalore, and he seemed actually good there and has obtained over his niggle. He performed a few video games during the last two days (at NCA).
“He stored for 50 overs and batted for round 50 overs too, so we’re blissful to have him,” chief selector Ajit Agarkar tried to allay fears round Rahul.
Ishan Kishan’s evolution as an ODI cricketer was marked by his mature knock in opposition to Pakistan within the final Asia Cup match. Each Rohit and Agarkar remained noncommittal about who could be the first-choice wicketkeeper within the World Cup. “It is a good headache to have. Kishan performed effectively not too long ago, and he performs effectively on the prime. KL’s report in ODIs is sensible. We are able to choose and select between the 2 who will battle for a spot within the staff,” mentioned Agarkar.
03:01
Sanju Samson out, KL Rahul in: India pronounces 2023 World Cup squad
Ishan’s choice serves a twin function as backup opener and backup wicketkeeper. Nevertheless, vice-captain Hardik Pandya has emerged as probably the most essential hyperlink within the staff.
His developed batting and skill to bowl medium-pace for extra near 10 overs affords the steadiness that the staff administration is desperately looking for. “His type shall be essential to us. Within the final yr or so he has provide you with the bat and his bowling has been good too. That is essential for us,” mentioned Rohit.
India have gone with a staff that’s but to play as a settled unit. The staff has been picked on mixture theories. They’ll hope they’ll take a look at it within the few remaining ODIs resulting in the World Cup. They’re slicing that wonderful!
