Selectors opt for Shardul, Axar over specialists in India's squad; KL Rahul, Suryakumar get the nod
India on Tuesday announced the squad for the ODI World Cup due to start in India from October 5, with the untested KL Rahul - returning from a long injury layoff - being named in the squad. While Rahul has cleared the fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), he has had no game time since injuring his hamstring during the IPL earlier this year.
The 15-member team wore the same look as the 17-member team currently playing in Asia Cup, with two changes - Prasidh Krishna and rookie Tilak Varma missed out.
Adding depth to the batting was the centre issue of the selection meeting. That line of thinking worked in favour of Shardul Thakur, who pipped Prasidh Krishna for the fourth pacer's spot besides Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj.
Axar Patel's selection ahead of specialist spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal also revolved around the same theory.
"The squad lacks an off-spinning allrounder. Selectors, who have opted for an extra left-arm spinner, could have considered R Ashwin or Washington Sundar. The former's experience, temperament and awareness will be missed. Remember how he let go the Mohd Nawaz delivery in the last over to win us the game against Pakistan in last year's T20 World Cup. There's no left-arm pacer either. Also, we hope the gamble to include Surya, who is yet to prove himself in the genre, pays off.-TimesView"
"We need to create that depth (in batting and bowling) as it was lacking in our team for the last few years. When we talk about depth in batting, that No. 9, No. 8 positions become very crucial," India captain Rohit Sharma said while as the team was announced in Pallekele on Tuesday.
"This is the best we can do with balance and depth. We have three allrounders in the team, four bowlers and six batters. We have thought about it a lot and named this squad. This is the best combination for us," he added.
"The 50-over format is different, especially where you play nine league games and semifinals and finals - 11 games. There's always a chance for you to make a comeback. It gives you more time to think about strategy and what you're going to execute as a team. Yes, the ODIs do give you a little more breathing space," Rohit said, explaining the rationale behind having more allrounders than specialists in the squad.
The focus was always going to be on bringing stability to an Indian middle-order that has become shakier by the day in ODI cricket. The injuries to KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant this year meant the uncertainty dragged right up to the selection meeting.
Suryakumar Yadav, despite his ordinary ODI record, has found a place on the back of his T20 performances and experience of playing two T20 World Cups. Rahul has been identified as the best bet to bat at No. 5 while Iyer is slated to start at No. 4.
WHO WILL KEEP WICKETS?
As TOI reported on Monday, Rahul's wicket-keeping fitness in a full 50-over match is yet to be ascertained. "KL is looking good. We feel this gives us the best balance to try and do well. KL was part of the camp in Bangalore, and he looked really good there and has got over his niggle. He played a couple of games over the last two days (at NCA).
"He kept for 50 overs and batted for around 50 overs too, so we're happy to have him," chief selector Ajit Agarkar tried to allay fears around Rahul.
Ishan Kishan's evolution as an ODI cricketer was marked by his mature knock against Pakistan in the last Asia Cup match. Both Rohit and Agarkar remained noncommittal about who would be the first-choice wicketkeeper in the World Cup. "It's a good headache to have. Kishan played well recently, and he plays well at the top. KL's record in ODIs is brilliant. We can pick and choose between the two who will fight for a spot in the team," said Agarkar.
Ishan's selection serves a dual purpose as backup opener and backup wicketkeeper. However, vice-captain Hardik Pandya has emerged as the most crucial link in the team.
His evolved batting and ability to bowl medium-pace for more close to 10 overs offers the balance that the team management is desperately seeking. "His form will be crucial to us. In the last year or so he has come up with the bat and his bowling has been good too. That's important for us," said Rohit.
1/10:ODI World Cup: Know Team India's 15-member squad
2/10:Rohit Sharma (Captain)
<p>Twelve years back, Rohit was at the lowest ebb of his career after missing out on a World Cup berth and three editions later, he would be the 'Master of India's fate'. He has six World Cup hundreds and wouldn't mind adding a few more but he can trade all that for the Gold plated trophy.<br /></p>AP
3/10:Virat Kohli
<p>At nearly 35 and a decade at the top, 'King Kohli' wouldn't mind a second ICC trophy, an achievement that eluded him as captain. He has 46 hundreds and four more would get him past his idol Sachin Tendulkar.<br /><br /><br /></p>Getty Images
4/10:Shubman Gill
<p>Expectations will be high from the 23-year-old who has had an exceptional last 12 months across formats. He will need to fill the big shoes of Shikhar Dhawan, who has arguably been India's stand out batter in ICC events over the past decade.<br /><br /><br /></p>AP
5/10:Hardik Pandya
<p>The 'Baroda Bomber' is like a link-man, who would be the bridge between top and lower middle order with his batting in middle overs. He will be the bowler, who would be a cover for a player who might have an off day.<br /><br /><br /></p>AFP
6/10:Ishan Kishan
<p>In the limited opportunities he has got, Kishan has delivered both at the top of the order and in the middle order. The batting line-up is full of right-handers and Kishan's inclusion in the playing eleven will bring about a welcome change.<br /></p>ANI
7/10:Suryakumar Yadav
<p>SKY, as he is fondly called by his teammates, made an immediate impression in international cricket with his brute power, innovative shots and 360 degree strokeplay. But it is his form in ODI cricket which is a matter of concern. He has not been able to carry his T20 dominance to the 50-over game.<br /></p>AFP
8/10:KL Rahul
<p>Focus will firmly be on Rahul given his lack of game time. Spending months away from competitive cricket he maybe a little rusty. However, Rahul's technique and application have impressed even the staunchest of critics. Additionally he has a brilliant record at No. 5.<br /></p>Reuters
9/10:Ravindra Jadeja
<p>The man for all seasons, Jadeja manages to contribute whether it is through his accurate and economical bowling, his batting or his spectacular fielding. A sure-shot selection in the playing XI, the southpaw will shoulder the spin duties with Kuldeep Yadav.<br /></p>AP
10/10:Shreyas Iyer
<p>Iyer will be tasked with perhaps the most important and talked-about roles in Indian cricket -- batting at number. The 28-year-old has been a consistent performer, batting at number 4. His decisive footwork helps him dominate against spin bowling. Iyer's ability to score freely is his biggest strength.<br /></p>Getty ImagesIndia have gone with a team that is yet to play as a settled unit. The team has been picked on combination theories. They will hope they can test it in the few remaining ODIs leading to the World Cup. They are cutting that fine!
