On Tuesday, India’s ICC World Cup squad 2023 was unsurprisingly revealed by Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma at a press event held in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Although expected, there were still some surprises, with KL Rahul back after his recent injury being included back into the 15-member main team squad – with Ishan Kishnan chosen as backup opener while Suryakumar Yadav beating Sanju Samson for middle-order batter spots.
Jasprit Bhumrah and Mohammed Shami were selected as seam bowlers. At the same time, all-rounders Hardik Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Hardik Patel’s brother Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, as well as Hardik’s younger brother Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, choose themselves for selection as all-rounders.
spinner Kuldeep Yadav wasn’t included, and Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna, Ravichandran Ashwin, Tilak Varma, and Samson weren’t present either – although Ashwin wasn’t involved anyway; Samson served as a Reserve while Krishna and Tilak Varma allowed teams to name 17 member squads before selection so where is there no shock factor?
India stands out in this World Cup by not designating standby players or reserves, a practice commonly seen at multi-nation tournaments and International Cricket Council tournaments. When this World Cup kicks off on October 5, this will mark its first occurrence.
Most teams keep at least three reserves, as the International Cricket Council only permits fifteen players on an official team. These reserve players are usually considered first when someone becomes injured on their primary squad. India allowed itself to have more than three or four reserves since their World Cup will be hosted here in India.
Highlights from India World Cup 2023 Squad Announcement
The Men’s selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar has unveiled India’s official 15-player squad for ODI World Cup 2023. Ajit traveled to Sri Lanka over the weekend in consultation with Rohit Sharma as team captain and Rahul Dravid.
KL Rahul was India’s senior batsman in their middle order, and speculation surrounding his physical fitness had been rampant. Recent updates indicate he may play in the Super 4 phase of the Asia Cup tournament and has since been added to India’s World Cup team.
India’s World Cup squad 2023 includes
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav.
Ajit Agarkar explains the reason why India did not name a reserve player for World Cup 2030
Agarkar, the chief selector for the Sri Lanka Cricket team, stated that in the event of any injury to members of their main squad, reserve players would come from those currently present who missed out on making the World Cup team. Samson, Tialk, and Krishna would form part of this contingent; KL would be number 18. “KL is one of 18 guys; these three can fill any keeper or seamer positions that might need covering; Tilak also joins our ranks – we’ve selected top 15 players,” Agarkar stated. “Unless something arises,” Agarkar added.
The International Cricket Council does not mandate teams to name reserves; however, in recent years, groups have followed this practice to prepare for possible injuries. India’s official standby players at the last ODI World Cup were Navdeep Navdeep, Ambati Rayudu, and Rishabh Pan.
What will India do if one of its 15 members becomes injured?
They can choose a replacement without worrying too much about having no reserves named; not having accounts only broadens India’s prospects. Agarkar’s three names cover every aspect of cricket except spin; Kuldeep Yadav will serve as specialist long spinner, with Jadeja and Axar available as alternatives; in case Kuldeep should become injured during tournament play, Ashwin or Chahal could step in as replacements.
Conclusion
The final playing eleven for the Indian team in the World Cup will be determined by a combination of factors, including the team’s overall strategy, the opposition they are facing, and the conditions of the tournament. It is essential for the team to strike the right balance between experienced players and emerging talents, while also ensuring that they have a well-rounded squad capable of adapting to different situations. Ultimately, the success of the Indian team in the World Cup will hinge on their ability to come together as a cohesive unit and perform at their best on the biggest stage in cricket.
