With regard to the ODI World Cup that will be held in India later this year, Wasim Jaffer has selected the preferred Indian side. In his squad consisting of 15 players, the former Indian batsman selected Shikhar Dhawan as a reserve opener.
The three-match One-Day International series between the West Indies and the Indian team will begin on Thursday, July 27, in Bridgetown, Barbados. Dhawan, who hasn’t been in an Indian team match since December 2022, isn’t on the 17-person roster chosen for the series.
Jaffer was prompted to choose his Indian team for the World Cup 2023 during a conversation on JioCinema. He selected Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill as his three openers. He said, “My three openers will be Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Shikhar Dhawan. Even though Shikhar Dhawan is not going to be picked, I will keep him as the backup opener. Even if he doesn’t play at the start, I am okay with that.”
“Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will be my three spinners in the XI.” : Wasim Jaffer
The Punjab Kings batting coach went on to name some of the most obvious names that will be in the World Cup squad for sure. But he also named some interesting choices and conveyed that he’ll go with three spinners. He said, “After that, Virat Kohli at No. 3 obviously. Shreyas Iyer at No. 4, KL Rahul at No. 5 and Hardik Pandya at No. 6. Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will be my three spinners in the XI.”
Wasim Jaffer emphasised the importance of Hardik Pandya’s fitness while selecting Jasprit Bumrah as well as Mohammed Siraj as the two main seamers in the XI. He said, “In my XI, I will have Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj/Mohammad Shami. I will play two seamers – Bumrah and Siraj. For me, it is very important that Hardik Pandya bowls because the World Cup is in India. Even if he doesn’t bowl 10 overs and bowls seven-eight overs, it’s enough for me.”
The former Mumbai batter concluded by picking Sanju Samson and Shardul Thakur as the other reserve players. He added, “If he bowls, I will definitely try to play three spinners and I will definitely play both Axar and Jadeja because they are all-rounders. My third spinner will obviously be Kuldeep. My fourth seamer will be Shardul Thakur. Sanju Samson will be my backup keeper because I have already picked Shikhar as my third opener.”
Fans react to Wasim Jaffer’s predicted ODI World Cup 2023 squad:
Wasim Jaffer picks his Indian squad for the World Cup [JioCinema]:
Rohit (C), Gill, Dhawan, Kohli, Iyer, Rahul, Hardik, Jadeja, Samson, Axar, Kuldeep, Bumrah, Siraj, Shami, Thakur. pic.twitter.com/TfgtWrOpDX
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 24, 2023
I sincerely hope they opt for Samson as the wicket keeper and not Rahul. Rahul will be a disaster as he takes forever to get off strike and won’t be able to accelerate in last 10-15 overs.
— Harry (@cricfreac) July 24, 2023
No right arm off spinner, No leg spinner and tournament is going to happen in India.
Chahal should be there.
Axar is no different than Jadeja.
Dhawan is not in scheme of things.
Ishan will be there, if not him it will be jaiswal.— midhun (@midhuntweets4u) July 24, 2023
It's high time we move ahead from dhawan & shardul. We definitely have a more talented bunch waiting rather then going ahead with the tried & tested formula again
— Ammeen Akbarr Basha (@aminakbar03) July 24, 2023
I don't see Iyer & Rahul in the World Cup team because they will not face net bowlers in the World Cup matches……
— Abby06 (@abhikmrr) July 24, 2023
Pretty well balanced squad overall. Against teams like Pak & NZ, Shikhar can open.
Only weaklink might be no leftie in the middle order although that can be solved if we play Axar in the 11 so he can be sent up at 5 if reqd. followed by KL, Jadeja & Hardik at 6, 7 & 8 resp.
— Advaitya Chandhoke (@AdvaityaC) July 24, 2023
Not sure about Dhawan and Samson.
Surya and Ishan are top contender right now.— Mr.R (@r_rx1000) July 24, 2023
That's very near to the possible ideal squad. Selectors would prefer Ishan over Samson and Surya over Dhawan.
— Jayesh (@Jayesh_45) July 24, 2023
Dhawan is needed
Warna saare right handers
Left hand bowlers pel denge— Hitman zindabad (@KrrishK43904676) July 24, 2023
Kishan in Dhawan out, painful to say it though, but Dhawan has no time to practice
— Aditya Joshi (@adithegr8crick) July 24, 2023
The best Indian conditions spinner @yuzi_chahal missing out. We cannot go into the tournament without our best option
— Shrikant (@imshrik45) July 24, 2023
