The anticipation is building as the ODI World Cup 2023 approaches, with India set to host the tournament. Indian cricket fans have high hopes for their team, as they eagerly await the opportunity to witness their nation lift the prestigious World Cup trophy once again. However, it has been a while since the Indian team tasted World Cup glory, with their last triumph coming in 2011 on home soil.
In the past 12 years, India has come close to reaching the World Cup final on two occasions, finishing as semi-finalists in 2015 and 2019. Last season, the Men in Blue had a decent record, winning 14 out of the 24 matches they played, resulting in a win percentage of 58.33%. While they faced some challenges in overseas conditions, they maintained an impressive winning streak at home, securing victory in five out of their last six games.
The ODI World Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place in October and November, with India hosting the tournament across 12 cities. As the cricketing world gears up for the mega event, players from all around the globe are participating in the IPL 2023 in India. This presents a unique opportunity for players to acclimatize to the Indian conditions, pitches, players, and, most importantly, the passionate fans.
The IPL 2023 holds significant importance this year, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will closely observe the performances of players during the tournament, potentially selecting a few standout performers for the World Cup squad. Before the ODI World Cup, the Men in Blue will also compete in 15 One-Day Internationals and an Asia Cup. Amidst all this, the question remains: Who will make it to India’s World Cup squad in 2023, and which players can we expect to see in the playing 11?
While the final squad selection will depend on various factors, here are six players who are likely to feature in India’s World Cup 2023 squad:
- Rohit Sharma (Captain): The current captain of the Indian cricket team, Rohit Sharma, is expected to open the innings for his country. He has been an integral part of India’s success over the years. Sharma had a remarkable run in the 2019 World Cup, scoring five centuries in just nine matches, becoming the first player in World Cup history to achieve this feat.
- Virat Kohli: The former captain of the Indian team is widely regarded as one of the finest batsmen in the world. Kohli provides much-needed stability in the middle order and has a unique ability to absorb pressure and take the game away from the opposition. After regaining his form in the Asia Cup 2022, Kohli is determined to lead India to another World Cup victory.
- Shubman Gill: The young blood of Team India, Shubman Gill, has cemented his place in the team with consistent performances. After Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul faced a dip in form, Gill stepped in as India’s dependable opener. His exceptional talent was on display when he recently scored a double century, making him the youngest player to achieve this feat in ODIs.
- Ravindra Jadeja: Ravindra Jadeja is the ideal all-rounder for this team. He possesses exceptional skills in all three departments of the game. Jadeja is India’s premier fielder, with a keen eye for run-outs. He has also developed into a reliable finisher, often taking the team over the line in tight matches. As an off-spinner, he contributes by taking wickets and maintaining control over the opposition’s run rate.
- Hardik Pandya: Hardik Pandya is the fast-bowling all-rounder India has been searching for. He has showcased his finishing abilities with the bat, consistently finding boundaries in difficult situations. After making his comeback in international cricket, Pandya played crucial roles in India’s success in the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup 2022. His ability to hit the ball to all parts of the ground makes him an invaluable asset for the team.
- Mohammed Shami: Mohammed Shami has been India’s premier fast bowler ever since he burst onto the international scene. His ability to generate swing with the new ball makes him a potent weapon in the opening overs. Additionally, his expertise in death bowling will be crucial in countering the impact of dew during evening matches. Shami has also been a part of India’s World Cup campaigns in 2015 and 2019, where he performed admirably.
Considering these players’ performances and their importance to the team, here is a probable 15-man squad for India in the ODI World Cup 2023:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
Based on the probable squad, the playing 11 for India in the World Cup 2023 could look like this:
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Sanju Samson
- R Ashwin
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Mohammed Shami
- Shardul Thakur
Please note that this is a speculative selection and the final squad and playing 11 may differ based on form, fitness, and other factors considered by the selectors and team management.
As the World Cup approaches, Indian cricket fans will eagerly await the announcement of the official squad and look forward to witnessing the Men in Blue in action on home soil. The hope and excitement of an entire nation will be riding on the team as they strive to bring back the World Cup glory to India once again.
