In a crucial decision-making process, the national selection committee of India’s cricket team is confronted with a challenging task choosing between the seasoned Shardul Thakur and the crafty Jaydev Unadkat for the extra fast bowler’s slot in the 15-member India squad for the upcoming World Cup, set to commence on October 5.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) stipulates that all teams must present their initial 15-player squads by September 5, with the final submission allowed until September 27, affording flexibility for multiple changes during that period. A notable twist adds to the intrigue: the Australia series concludes on September 27, coinciding with the final submission date. This circumstance suggests a potential strategy, whereby India might field an extended squad of 16 to 18 players for the Asia Cup and Australia home series, providing ample opportunity for both Unadkat and Shardul to showcase their skills ahead of the World Cup. The Asia Cup, hosted by Sri Lanka, and the three-match home series against Australia in September are poised to serve as a prelude to the grand event. As the World Cup opener against Australia looms in Chennai on October 8 a mere two months away the composition of the Indian squad remains far from settled. While the return of injured batsmen KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer could enhance India’s prospects as serious title contenders, it is the nuanced balance of the bowling unit on slow and low pitches that will prove pivotal to the team’s performance during the marquee tournament. Two contentious issues dominate discussions: the choice for an additional seamer and the selection of the third spinner among the fifteen. However, in the case of fast bowlers, the decision-making process is not as straightforward as it may seem. Jasprit Bumrah’s return from a lower-back stress fracture, even at 80 percent fitness, assures his spot in the World Cup lineup, alongside Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. With Hardik Pandya’s multifaceted role, which includes contributing with the ball, the question of the reserve pacer assumes significance. In terms of recent performance and quality, Shardul Thakur enjoys an edge, having displayed his mettle in the Caribbean with eight wickets in three ODIs. Meanwhile, Jaydev Unadkat’s advantage lies in his left-arm seam bowling, offering a variation that could prove valuable in the playing XI. The exclusion of Arshdeep Singh, another left-arm option, from the squad elevates Unadkat’s prominence, despite his lack of sheer pace.
