The recent announcement of India’s World Cup 2023 squad left many fans disappointed, especially with the omission of Sanju Samson, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Prasidh Krishna. However, there is still a glimmer of hope for these players as the final cut-off date for squad changes is September 27, giving them another chance to make it to the World Cup.
Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan Royals, had showcased his prowess in the T20 format but was left out to accommodate Suryakumar Yadav. Despite his stellar performances, Samson won’t don the Indian jersey until after the World Cup during the T20 series against Australia. Rohit Sharma, during the squad announcement press conference, emphasized the necessity of making tough choices to strengthen the team.
While it’s a challenging road for these players, there is a possibility of being included due to injuries. India is set to play a three-match ODI series against Australia as part of their World Cup preparations, and any injuries during this period could open the door for players like Samson, Ashwin, and Krishna.
According to reports, they will serve as reserve players, despite the initial squad not naming any reserves. Ravichandran Ashwin provides cover for Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav in case of injuries, and his recent ODI performance justified his inclusion. Prasidh Krishna’s pace adds depth to the fast bowling department, and his selection depends on team requirements. Tilak Varma, though not a frontrunner, can contribute as a left-handed batsman and off-spin bowler.