The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the much-anticipated squad for the upcoming ODI series against West Indies. The selection committee has made some notable decisions, aiming to strike a balance between experienced players and giving opportunities to promising talents.
In a surprising move, Mukesh Kumar, the talented pacer, has been included in the squad. The team management is keen to provide another prominent fast bowler with an opportunity of ODI World Cup 2023 selection. Sanju Samson, known for his explosive batting prowess, is making a much-awaited comeback to the blue jersey. The talented wicket-keeper batsman has impressed with his performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), earning him a place in the ODI squad.
The spin department sees the return of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, two proven match-winners in limited-overs cricket. Their inclusion ensures a formidable spin attack that can trouble the West Indian batsmen in the series. Ishan Kishan, who impressed with his aggressive batting and wicket-keeping skills in recent outings, retains his place as the preferred wicket-keeper. In a significant move, Hardik Pandya has been named the vice-captain of the team. This appointment reflects the team management’s confidence in his leadership skills and ability to contribute consistently with both bat and ball.
Promising fast bowler Umran Malik has been given another opportunity to showcase his talent. The young pacer has impressed with his raw pace and ability to generate bounce, making him a valuable asset for the team’s bowling attack. Jaydev Unadkat’s selection raises questions about his role in the playing XI. While he has consistently performed well in domestic cricket, he has often found himself on the bench at the international level. It remains to be seen whether he will finally get a chance to prove himself in the upcoming series.
Surprisingly, Ravichandran Ashwin, despite his recent stellar performances in Test cricket, has not been included in the ODI squad. With the World Cup on the horizon, this decision raises eyebrows among fans and experts. It remains to be seen if Ashwin’s omission is a part of the team’s long-term strategy or a tactical move based on current form and conditions. Axar Patel’s inclusion in the squad indicates the team’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup in 2023. The left-arm spinner’s accuracy and ability to restrict runs make him a vital asset in limited-overs cricket. The team management is keen on exploring various options to strengthen the spin department for the mega event.
India’s ODI Squad: Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), Shardul Thakur, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.
