India’s squad for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup has been announced, and it includes the return of KL Rahul, the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in the format, despite concerns about his fitness. KL Rahul has not played competitive cricket since May due to a tendon injury in his right thigh. However, he has undergone extensive rehabilitation and recently passed a fitness assessment at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Rahul’s inclusion in the squad is significant, as he is a critical player in India’s middle order and has been performing consistently in ODIs. His ability to keep wickets adds depth to the team and provides flexibility in team selection.
The squad also includes Ishan Kishan as the other wicketkeeper-batter. Kishan has been in excellent form, scoring four successive ODI half-centuries. His performance in the recent Asia Cup match against Pakistan highlighted his utility in the middle order.
While Kishan’s form raises the possibility of him playing as a specialist middle-order batter, the selectors have also chosen Suryakumar Yadav in the squad. Yadav is known for his T20 prowess but has relatively modest ODI numbers, averaging 24.22 in 24 innings. He has acknowledged the challenge of adapting his game to the 50-over format.
During a press conference, India’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, addressed the fitness concerns of KL Rahul and other players. He expressed confidence in Rahul’s recovery, stating that the player had undergone extensive rehabilitation and match simulations to assess his readiness.
Jasprit Bumrah will lead India’s pace attack, which includes Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and fast-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur. Kuldeep Yadav is the frontline wrist-spinner, with Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja providing left-arm spin-bowling options. Interestingly, the squad does not feature a specialist offspinner, a point that Agarkar acknowledged but explained by highlighting the balance provided by the selected players.
Agarkar stated that while discussions could occur regarding the absence of an offspinner, the squad’s current composition offers depth in batting and the flexibility required for ODIs. The balance between spin and pace bowling has been crucial in squad selection.
The deadline for submitting the World Cup squad to the ICC was September 5. Still, teams can make changes until September 28 without requiring approval from the ICC. India will have three more ODIs against Australia after the Asia Cup to provide players like Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, returning from injuries, with additional game time and assess their form and fitness.
India will commence their World Cup campaign on October 8 when they face Australia in Chennai. The squad, led by Rohit Sharma, includes a mix of experienced players and promising talents to clinch the prestigious ICC ODI World Cup.