The Indian Cricket Team will kick off their preparations for the World Cup 2023 starting with the IND vs WI series. The India vs West Indies ODIs are the final run of games before the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee announces the squad for the World Cup. While stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Co pick themselves, there remains competition for places. The likes of Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umran Malik and Ishan Kishan are all fighting to make the bus.
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SKY, Sanju, Ishan in middle order muddle
The three-match series is the perfect opportunity for the fringe stars to make their case for a World Cup berth. With Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul missing out due to injuries, Team India has an ‘undercooked’ middle order for the IND vs WI series. Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav will battle for a spot in the middle order. Sanju, in his short stop-start career, has amassed an average of 66. Surya for his part has struggled in the 50-over format, a stark contrast to his T20 exploits.
Ishan Kishan is also in the mix for a spot in the middle. Generally a top-order bat, the keeper-bat will have to slot down the order. However, given India’s lack of left-handers, Kishan could plug that gap and offer an alternative against spin in the middle overs.
Chahal’s bid for a WC spot
With the World Cup spot in Indian conditions, the spin will play a huge role. Fortunately for Rohit Sharma, the Indian Cricket Team has a long list of quality spinners. Caught in the crossfire is Yuzvendra Chahal fighting for a place in the team. Chahal missed the 2021 T20 WC and was benched for the entirety of the 2022 T20 WC. The leggie will be keen to avoid a hat-trick of missing World Cups and put on a show during the IND vs WI series.
While Ravindra Jadeja is almost certain, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are the other options for team management. Captain Rohit Sharma has preferred Kuldeep in recent times over Chahal. However, Axar’s batting might keep him in the mix.
Is Wildcard Umran Malik in the mix?
This time last year, Umran Malik was fast-tracked into the Indian side as a potential option for the World Cup 2023. However, since then the J&K pacer struggled for form and consistency. Now with Shami resting and Bumrah and Prasidh injured, Malik is called into action three months before the tournament. While pushing for a spot is a stretch, he could turn out to be an X factor with his pace for Rohit and Co.
India’s ODI squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.
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