The extra the merrier. That’s the view of former India head coach Ravi Shastri relating to the all-rounders in India squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
When requested of his opinion with reference to the 15-player squad India would go together with within the marquee occasion, Shastri instructed Star Sports activities, “I feel to be truthful, I’ll go together with each the all-rounders – Axar and Shardul, it provides me a chance. And hold Sanju Samson on standby in case one thing occurs to the keeper there, the place he can simply fly out.”
Moreover, the previous India all-rounder who was a part of the 1983 World Cup successful squad, additionally pressed on the necessity for having extra pacers within the squad.
“So, now you begin with the pacers as a result of, for me, the pacers are necessary. If you happen to want 4 over there, you have already got one all-rounder (Pandya). So, if Bumrah is match, he walks in. Shami walks in – that’s two. You’ve acquired Siraj as a backup, and if wanted, Shardul could be there. Shardul has accomplished properly within the West Indies one-day recreation; he could be a backup. After which you’ve gotten room for yet one more,” he added.
Thakur was the main wicket taker within the ODI collection in opposition to the West Indies with eight scalps to his identify in three outings. The 31-year-old’s knack for nabbing wickets at essential junctures isn’t the one trait that makes his case for the house World Cup. Since his heroics with the bat within the 2021 Gabba Take a look at, Thakur’s means to attain runs throughout codecs makes for a robust CV.
What does historical past say?
Former chief of selectors Sandeep Patil additionally agreed to Shastri’s viewpoint. “I’ll go together with what Ravi mentioned as a result of I need to bear in mind 1983. The mixture we had, we had many all-rounders within the group, and having all-rounders within the group provides you a lot selection, and you’ll select anyone,” he instructed Star Sports activities.
In a newer case research, for India’s 2011 ODI World Cup marketing campaign, whereas Yuvraj Singh was the one designated all-rounder who was a daily characteristic of the XI, the presence of Yusuf Pathan and Suresh Raina, who may roll their arms gave India extra choices in house situations.
With run scoring pitches at hand, having depth within the batting order in addition to abundance of bowling choices is prone to show advantageous once more for the house aspect.