India Squad for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

After enduring a year filled with injuries and intermittent struggles, the selection committee has finally announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming World Cup 2023. The stage is set, and the anticipation is palpable as India prepares to embark on this historic journey.

KL Rahul’s Inclusion in the WC Squad:

KL Rahul has been included in India’s World Cup squad despite not having played competitive cricket since May. He last played an ODI in March this year, tore a tendon in his right thigh during the IPL, and underwent surgery in May. He was selected in the Asia Cup squad following extensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy but was ruled out of the first two matches after picking up a new niggle. Rahul, the first-choice wicketkeeper, is preparing to fly out to Sri Lanka for the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup after passing a fitness assessment at the NCA in Bengaluru on September 4.

“We had a couple of fitness issues that we had to look at, but all three [Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Shreyas Iyer] who had long-term injuries have come through,” India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar said. “KL is looking good. We feel this gives us the best balance to try and do well. With KL he was part of the camp in Bangalore, he looked really good there and has got over his niggle. He played a couple of games over the last two days. I think he kept for 50 overs and batted for around 50 overs too, so he looks good and we’re happy to have him.”

Middle-order batter Tilak Varma and fast bowler Prasidh Krishna are the two players from the current squad of 17 members in Sri Lanka to have missed out, along with Sanju Samson, who is a reserve player at the Asia Cup.

Ishan Kishan has retained his place as one of two wicketkeeper-batters in the squad along with KL Rahul. Kishan underscored his utility by top-scoring with 82, his fourth successive ODI half-century, in India’s rained-out Asia Cup opener against Pakistan in Pallekele on September 2.

Despite Kishan’s form raising the possibility of him doubling up as a reserve middle-order batter, the selectors’ committee also picked Suryakumar Yadav in the squad despite middling ODI numbers – an average of 24.22 with two half-centuries in 24 innings.

Team India 15-players Squad:

The squad mixes seasoned players and promising talents who have performed outstandingly in recent matches. India boasts a strong lineup, with several key players expected to impact the team’s performance significantly. Here is the 15-member squad that will undoubtedly impact their team performance in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023:

Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan(wk), Hardik Pandya(vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.

Captain Rohit Sharma leads the batting group, with Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav all named, and Ishan Kishan, who provides another keeping option. Kuldeep Yadav is the frontline wrist-spinner, with Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Hardik Pandya as the three genuine all-rounders. Bumrah spearheads the pace attack that includes Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Shardul Thakur.

Notable Players to Miss Out:

1. Yuzvendra Chahal

2. Sanju Samson

3. Prasidh Krishna

4. Ravichandran Ashwin

Other Absentees:

1. Shikhar Dhawan

2. Tilak Varma

3. Rishabh Pant (Injured)

Deadline to Make Further Changes in the Squad:

While the deadline to submit the World Cup squad to the ICC is September 5, teams can make changes until September 28 without needing approval from the ICC. This gives India three more ODIs against Australia after the Asia Cup to give players such as Rahul and Iyer more game time. India will open their World Cup campaign on Sunday, October 8, when they take on Australia in Chennai.

Conclusion:

With an impressive squad, experienced leadership, and a talented pool of key players, India is well-prepared to compete fiercely in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. As the hosts, they will leave no stone unturned in their quest to lift the prestigious trophy. India will face arch-rivals Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2023 on Saturday, October 14. The highly anticipated clash will occur at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Tickets for this blockbuster match are highly demanding, with all available seats sold out within just five minutes of their release to the public.