Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has revealed his picks for Team India’s key players ahead of the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. With high expectations on Rohit Sharma & Co., the team will face immense pressure to improve their performance in recent ICC events.
India has not won the World Cup since 2011 and has been unable to secure an ICC title since 2013. Their performances in recent years have been particularly disappointing, with a semifinal exit in the 2019 World Cup and an early exit in the group stage of the 2021 T20 World Cup.
The 2022 T20 World Cup also saw a lackluster performance from Team India, as they suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat at the hands of eventual champions England in the semifinal. Last month, the Rohit Sharma-led side faced a humiliating 209-run loss against Australia in the World Test Championship final.
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As India prepares for the home World Cup this year, Harbhajan Singh has identified the players who will play a crucial role in the team’s success. The two-time World Cup winner highlighted captain Rohit Sharma as one of the most important players for the upcoming tournament.
Rohit was the standout performer with the bat in the 2019 World Cup, scoring 648 runs at an average of over 81, including a record-breaking five centuries, making him the highest run-scorer of the tournament. However, his recent performances have not reached the same lofty standards he set in his prime. Harbhajan also emphasized the significance of Rohit’s opening partner, Shubman Gill, and the spin-bowling allrounder Ravindra Jadeja as key players.
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“When it comes to India, the opening partnership is crucial. A lot will depend on Rohit Sharma. Shubman Gill – I hope he is included in the team. It will be unfortunate if he is not given a chance,” expressed Harbhajan Singh during an interview with Star Sports.
“I believe Shubman Gill will be the key. He performs exceptionally well in Indian conditions. In the bowling department, Ravindra Jadeja, if he performs like we witnessed in the IPL, where he took more than 20 wickets,” he further added.
The World Cup is set to commence on October 5, with a match between England and New Zealand. India will start their campaign on October 8 with an exciting encounter against Australia in Chennai.