The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled India’s 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, igniting anticipation among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The BCCI’s senior men’s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, orchestrated a selection that has sparked discussions and surprises within the cricketing community.
Agarkar, a former cricketer and the head of the selection panel, recently traveled to Sri Lanka to consult with ODI team captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid, a significant factor in shaping the final squad. Several unexpected choices have caught the eye. Notably, three players from the Asia Cup’s traveling contingent—Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Prasidh Krishna—failed to secure World Cup berths. However, the return of KL Rahul, now declared fit, adds depth to the squad. The absence of Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin has raised eyebrows among fans. Rohit Sharma will retain his captaincy, with Hardik Pandya serving as vice-captain, a widely expected decision.
The opening slots will be occupied by Sharma and the talented Shubman Gill, a duo that recently displayed prowess by notching double centuries in the ODI format. Virat Kohli’s inclusion was a foregone conclusion, given his unparalleled experience and track record. However, questions swirled around the selections of Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav. Iyer, returning from a back injury, faced Pakistan, scoring 14 runs. Iyer will have to get some big scores under his belt ahead of the mega tournament. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav, despite limited 50-overs experience, brings an electrifying X-factor to the team.
Ishan Kishan’s standout 82-run performance against Pakistan underscores his potential inclusion in the playing XI, possibly alongside Rahul or Iyer. KL Rahul, a dependable middle-order option, has seven half-centuries and a century in his last 16 innings since 2020, adding stability to the lineup. The squad holds a surprise with Shardul Thakur’s inclusion, favored for his batting skills at the No. 8 position over Prasidh Krishna. Axar Patel adds depth, offering flexibility, especially on slower pitches where an extra spinner might be needed. The vice-captain Hardik Pandya brings his all-round skills to the forefront. Kuldeep Yadav, the lone specialist spinner, secured his spot due to impressive recent performances, edging out Yuzvendra Chahal. His leg-break skills are crucial for breaking partnerships in the middle overs. The pace department will be led by Jasprit Bumrah, complemented by the impressive Mohammad Siraj, ranked No. 4 in the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling rankings. The experienced Mohammad Shami bolsters the Indian pace attack.
In summary, India’s squad for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup combines experience and emerging talent, setting high expectations for an exhilarating campaign. As the team seeks glory on home soil, fans and experts will closely scrutinize their performance in this highly anticipated tournament.
Indian Squad for ICC Men’s ODI World Cup:
Indian Squad : Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya (Vice-captain), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav
Sunil Yash Kalra is a Women’s Cricket Historian and the founder of Indian Sports Fans.
