In a much-anticipated announcement, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarakar have officially revealed the formidable 15-member Indian squad set to compete in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, set to kick off on October 5 in India. The selection closely aligns with expectations, with Sharma leading the charge and Hardik Pandya named as his deputy.
While cricket fans saw the likes of Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammad Siraj as shoo-ins, the real intrigue lay in the middle-order selection. The return of a fit-again Iyer to the squad was met with cheers, and Suryakumar Yadav stands ready as a reliable backup for the middle-order slot. Notably, Ishan Kishan’s dazzling performances in ODIs not only pushed Sanju Samson out of contention but also thrust him into a strong position to secure a spot in the playing XI ahead of KL Rahul.
In a strategic move reminiscent of the Asia Cup, India once again opted to forgo an off-spinner, instead relying on the spin trio of Kuldeep, Jadeja, and Axar Patel, with Kuldeep being the sole genuine spin-bowling option. The pace department boasts a fearsome trio in the form of Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj, complemented by the seam-bowling prowess of allrounders Pandya and Shardul Thakur.
A few notable omissions from the Asia Cup squad include pacer Prasidh Krishna and left-handed middle-order option Tilka Verma.
Without further ado, here’s the star-studded 15-man squad that will carry India’s hopes in the 50-over World Cup:
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Ishan Kishan
- KL Rahul
- Hardik Pandya (Vice-Captain)
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Shardul Thakur
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Shami
- Mohammed Siraj
- Kuldeep Yadav
Excitement is building as this formidable squad prepares to represent the nation on cricket’s grandest stage!