NEW DELHI: Waiting for an ICC trophy for more than a decade, India on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad led by skipper Rohit Sharma for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup. The inclusion of wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav headlined the squad announcement.
Rahul is yet to make a comeback after a long injury layoff and Suryakumar, a proven T20 batter, is yet to make a mark in the 50-over format. The duo's inclusion meant Sanju Samson and youngster Tilak Varma missed the World Cup bus.
The other prominent names missing from the squad were in the spin departments as the team went for Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, leaving no spots from veteran tweakers Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Reactions after the announcement of the India squad:
Rohit Sharma conceded that they have to make tough choices while selecting the squad from such a vast pool of talents.
"It is not a bad thing when people are fighting for their spots. The challenges increase and it (the selection) gets harder. But we have to see who is in form, who the opposition is and which player can benefit the most in those circumstances. It happens all the time. We have seen in cricket that you have to make tough choices to ensure the team gets what it needs," said Rohit during the press conference to announce the squad.
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 ImagesRohit further added that the decision to go ahead with Shardul Thakur and Axar aligned with the team's desire to attain as much balance as possible.
"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. In the first game here (against Pakistan) we saw that we fell short in the backend. We want tailenders to contribute too. Another 10-15 runs in that game would have made a difference. It is the margin between winning and losing. We have spoken to them and told them to don that role too in the World Cup," Rohit said.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who was present at the press conference, expressed satisfaction over the fitness levels of Rahul.
"KL (Rahul) 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," said Agarkar.
Rohit said the team management will certainly explore the possibility of including both Rahul and in-form Ishan Kishan in the playing eleven.
"There will be possibilities. Everyone is available and fit to play. The selection depends on form and the opposition. It's also about how the runs are scored. Kishan, how he played in the first game (in the Asia Cup), was brilliant. Given the situation, he did very well. So, it depends on fitness and situation," said Rohit.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh was surprised by the exclusion of Chahal in the India squad and posted on social media X: "Surprise not to see @yuzi_chahal in the World Cup squad for Team India. Pure match winner."
The India squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.
