Following the postponement of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash in Pallekele, speculation surrounding India’s ODI World Cup squad had been swirling. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) senior national selection committee finalized the 15-member squad late on a Saturday night.
The squad for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in 2023 has now been officially determined. The National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru was tasked with providing a health update on KL Rahul, prompting the BCCI selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, to delay the squad announcement until September 5.
However, it has been revealed that the selectors proceeded to choose the final 15 players after receiving confirmation from the NCA that Rahul has fully recovered and is fit for selection.
The notable absence in the squad is Sanju Samson, while Tilak Varma and Prasidh Krishna also missed out. As reported by The Indian Express, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav have secured spots in the team.
Ajit Agarkar embarked on a trip to Sri Lanka to consult with the team’s captain, Rohit Sharma, and coach, Rahul Dravid, before making the final decision.
Rohit Sharma will lead the team as captain, and Ishan Kishan, who has impressed with his batting in the middle order, has earned a place in the squad. Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav will form the core of India’s batting lineup in the multi-nation tournament, alongside Captain Sharma.
The squad also features allrounders Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Shardul Thakur. In terms of the bowling department, the pace attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, with spinner Kuldeep Yadav also securing a spot on the team.
Rahul’s inclusion in the squad came after receiving medical clearance, and the selection committee extensively discussed his fitness as well.
