**India’s Squad for ICC World Cup 2023 Announced**
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, scheduled to commence on October 5. The announcement took place at Earl’s Regency in Kandy, with BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma revealing the squad.
The squad featured several familiar faces, with KL Rahul making a return after being declared fit by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Rahul is set to join the Indian team in Sri Lanka for the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav secured their spots, while Sanju Samson, who served as a reserve in the Asia Cup squad, did not make the cut.
This marks the second time in two years that Samson narrowly missed securing a World Cup spot, with emerging talents like Ishan and a fit-again Rahul surpassing him in the selection process.
The remainder of the squad includes star players like Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shubman Gill. Among the fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj secured their places, with Shardul Thakur selected for his ability to contribute to the lower order.
Notably, Prasidh Krishna, who recently returned from injury and featured in India’s Asia Cup squad, did not make the final cut, nor did the promising young talent Tilak Varma. India’s middle order will rely on Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, with Suryakumar Yadav as a backup option. Kuldeep Yadav is the sole specialist spinner in the squad, suggesting some uncertainty around Yuzvendra Chahal’s inclusion. Off-spinner R Ashwin was also left out, leaving India with only three spin-bowling options in Kuldeep, Jadeja, and Axar Patel.
The primary concern leading up to the squad announcement was Rahul’s fitness, as he had been sidelined due to injuries. However, Rahul has been training diligently at the NCA and is expected to be ready for the World Cup opener against Australia on October 8.
The selection of Rahul indicates that India is sticking with their original first-choice wicketkeeper, despite Ishan Kishan’s impressive performances. Kishan played a pivotal role against Pakistan, scoring 82 runs batting out of position at No.5.
**India’s World Cup 2023 Squad:**
– Rohit Sharma (Captain)
– Shubman Gill
– Virat Kohli
– Shreyas Iyer
– KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
– Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
– Hardik Pandya (Vice-Captain)
– Suryakumar Yadav
– Ravindra Jadeja
– Axar Patel
– Shardul Thakur
– Mohammed Shami
– Jasprit Bumrah
– Mohammed Siraj
– Kuldeep Yadav
