With the anticipation of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 building across the cricketing globe, all eyes are firmly fixed on the Indian cricket team. Cricket’s fervor and passion deeply rooted in the nation, the selection of India’s squad becomes a subject of intense conjecture and deliberation. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is tasked with the formidable challenge of assembling the finest 15 players to proudly represent the country on the grand international platform.
In the lead-up to their much-anticipated World Cup campaign, the Indian cricket team is poised to confront an arduous series of matches. Following the culmination of a comprehensive series against the West Indies during their overseas tour, the team will journey to Ireland to partake in an enthralling three-match T20I series. Subsequently, India will proceed to Sri Lanka to participate in the Asia Cup. Culminating the pre-World Cup fixtures, India will welcome Australia for a compelling three-match ODI series, ensuring a rigorous preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
India’s World Cup journey is replete with thrilling encounters, commencing on October 8th with a match against Australia in Chennai. The team will then engage Afghanistan in Delhi, cross swords with Pakistan in Ahmedabad, face Bangladesh in Pune, encounter New Zealand in Dharamshala, square off against England in Lucknow, and finally, set their sights on Sri Lanka in Mumbai on November 2nd. The campaign concludes with matches against South Africa and Netherlands in the last two league matches, to be held in Kolkata and Bengaluru respectively.
Also Read: Predicting the Strongest Squad of India for ODI World Cup 2023
Predicted 15 Member Squad of Team India for ICC ODI World Cup 2023:
1. Rohit Sharma (Captain)
Endowed with impressive leadership acumen and an exceptional batting portfolio, Rohit Sharma emerges as the organic choice to spearhead the Indian team’s campaign in the upcoming World Cup. Renowned for his extraordinary prowess in amassing substantial runs, Rohit has consistently proven his mettle in the realm of limited-overs cricket. His adept captaincy stints within the Indian Premier League (IPL) further enhance his credentials. With an impressive tally of over 9,000 runs in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and a remarkable trio of double-centuries to his credit, he stands resolutely as the indisputable linchpin of the Indian batting lineup. Engraving his name in World Cup annals, Rohit has exhibited remarkable proficiency, accumulating 330 runs in the 2015 World Cup and an astounding 648 runs in the 2019 edition.
2. Shubman Gill
The budding and skillful Shubman Gill has already unfurled his promise within the folds of the Indian cricket team. Boasting an impressive average of over 60 in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), Gill’s graceful strokeplay and steadfast technique position him as a prized asset in the upper echelons of the batting order. His stellar performance during the 2018 ICC U19 World Cup, where he emerged as India’s foremost run-getter, catapulted him into the spotlight and earmarked his trajectory as a future luminary. Gill’s ODI records resonate with his potential and prowess as a batsman. Notably, his ODI strike rate of 104.05 underscores his versatility, showcasing his ability to not only craft lengthy innings but also accelerate with finesse when the situation demands.
3. Virat Kohli
An iconic figure in Indian cricket, Virat Kohli’s essence is irreplaceable within the roster. Bolstered by an impeccable track record and an unquenchable thirst for runs, Kohli infuses unmatched determination and unwavering consistency into the team’s fabric. Garnering an impressive tally of nearly 13,000 runs in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), including a remarkable 46 centuries, Kohli’s yearning for runs remains insatiable. Notably, his contributions were pivotal in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups, amassing 282 and 305 runs respectively. As one of the globe’s premier batsmen, Kohli’s reservoir of experience and assertive approach serves as a crucial anchor in high-stakes encounters.
4. Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer’s journey in the limited-overs arena has been marked by remarkable progress, and his composed demeanor in pressure situations has earned him well-deserved acclaim. His adeptness at rotating the strike and accelerating the run-scoring tempo during the middle overs stands as a prized asset. Iyer’s remarkable batting records in the coveted number 4 position underscore a compelling argument for him to be the prime candidate for India in the forthcoming World Cup. With an impressive average of 47.35 and a strike rate of 94.37 across 20 innings at No. 4, he consistently delivers impactful performances in this pivotal middle-order role. Noteworthy is his record of two centuries and five half-centuries at this slot, reflecting his ability to consistently elevate starts into substantial contributions.
5. KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
KL Rahul’s versatility in batting coupled with his adept wicket-keeping abilities positions him as an optimal contender for the World Cup roster. Accumulating nearly 2000 ODI runs and boasting a century from the previous World Cup, he has undoubtedly established his mettle within the team. Rahul’s capacity to fulfill both opening and middle-order roles imbues the batting lineup with adaptability. Maintaining consistent excellence across various positions, his commendable average of 53.00 and a strike rate of 99.33 at number 5 underscore his capability to anchor the innings and escalate the tempo as required. Notably, Rahul’s proficiency in wicket-keeping augments the team’s strength, rendering him a dependable option in the absence of the injured Rishabh Pant.
6. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya’s versatile skills as an all-rounder have firmly established him as an irreplaceable asset for the Indian team. With an impressive strike rate exceeding 112 in ODIs and his knack for delivering pivotal breakthroughs with the ball, he stands as a transformative force in matches. The appointment of Hardik Pandya as the vice-captain in Team India’s leadership unit holds significant importance. His multi-faceted contributions, encompassing leadership responsibilities and his capability as a match-winning all-rounder, greatly influence the team’s triumphs.
7. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja stands as one of the premier contemporary all-rounders in the cricketing world, and his selection is an unequivocal decision. His dynamic fielding, frugal bowling, and adept batting abilities render him a pivotal influence on the game. Recent displays in international cricket underscore his exceptional prowess and further cement his role within the team. Accumulating in excess of 2500 ODI runs and boasting a tally of over 190 wickets, his contributions span across both batting and bowling domains, elevating his significance. With this appearance, the upcoming Cricket World Cup marks Ravindra Jadeja’s third participation following his involvement in the 2015 and 2019 editions.
8. Axar Patel
The rise of Axar Patel as a spin-bowling all-rounder has been nothing short of remarkable. His precise left-arm spin and adeptness in the lower-order batting category render him a pivotal resource, especially on pitches conducive to spin. Given that the World Cup is set to unfold in India, Axar Patel’s spin bowling capabilities are poised to provide significant support to the home team. Additionally, his batting skills in the lower order expand India’s batting depth, enhancing their chances. Despite his inclusion in the Indian Cricket Team’s 2015 World Cup squad, Axar Patel did not secure a spot in the playing XI on that occasion. Nevertheless, the forthcoming World Cup might witness Axar making his debut appearance for India on this grand stage.
9. Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav, the skilled wrist-spinner, possesses the artistry to bewilder batsmen through his array of variations. His tally of 141 wickets in 84 ODIs underscores his knack for securing pivotal dismissals, effectively transforming him into a match-winner. Kuldeep’s historical performances have significantly influenced matches. In the previous World Cup, he formed a partnership with Yuzvendra Chahal, yet managed to claim just 6 wickets throughout the tournament. However, the present version of Kuldeep Yadav, now more seasoned, has showcased his prowess by capturing 34 wickets in his recent 19 ODIs for India. In the forthcoming World Cup, set against India’s spin-friendly conditions, Kuldeep’s evolved skills could potentially reshape the country’s fortunes. Should he secure a spot in the squad, this will mark Kuldeep’s second World Cup campaign.
10. Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur’s proficiency in making breakthroughs during pivotal moments and his valuable contributions with the bat towards the end of the lineup render him an indispensable member of the World Cup squad. His aptitude for capturing wickets, coupled with his extensive experience in limited-overs cricket, solidifies his candidacy for inclusion. Displaying a strike rate of 33.9 in ODIs, Thakur has demonstrated consistent prowess in claiming wickets. Furthermore, his capacity to bolster the lower batting order provides an added layer of depth to the squad.
11. Jasprit Bumrah
Undoubtedly one of the most exceptional fast bowlers in global cricket, Jasprit Bumrah stands as a pivotal component of India’s formidable bowling lineup. His formidable arsenal of lethal yorkers, skillful pace variations, and expertise in death overs render him a formidable asset. Jasprit Bumrah, widely regarded as the premier fast bowler in the international cricket arena, represents India’s ace up the sleeve in their bowling prowess. Demonstrating an outstanding economy rate of fewer than five runs per over in ODIs, Bumrah has mastered the art of excelling in death overs. His remarkable performance in the 2019 World Cup, during which he claimed 18 wickets, played an instrumental role in India’s campaign.
12. Mohammed Siraj
The rapid ascent of Mohammed Siraj in the realm of international cricket has been truly remarkable. Stepping up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj has taken significant strides to spearhead the Indian fast bowling attack in recent outings. His skill in delivering extended spells with both pace and precision has garnered well-deserved acclaim. Backed by his unwavering consistency and adeptness in generating swing, Mohammed Siraj emerges as a compelling contender for the pace bowling role. His recent performances have shone brightly, evident in his impressive ICC ODI bowlers ranking of 4. With the ability to secure pivotal wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 4.79, Mohammed Siraj’s inclusion in the squad is both robust and well-justified.
13. Mohammed Shami
The ascent of Mohammed Shami as a formidable pace bowler has been nothing short of impressive. His adeptness in swinging the ball and consistently finding the right lengths has posed challenges to numerous top-tier batsmen. Boasting 162 wickets from 90 ODIs, Shami’s knack for striking early and thriving in high-pressure scenarios is laudable. Notably, his remarkable bowling displays in the past World Cups (2015, 2019), yielding 31 wickets at an exceptional average of 15.71 and an economy rate of 5.06, solidify his credentials for a significant spot in India’s World Cup squad. His capacity to claim pivotal wickets during the powerplay and effectively control the run flow renders him an invaluable asset in the impending tournament.
14. Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
Ishan Kishan’s rapid ascent is attributed to his audacious and attacking batting approach. His recent showings in limited-overs cricket, combined with his adeptness at wicket-keeping, earmark him as a potential backup choice for both opening and wicket-keeping positions. His record-breaking feat of achieving the fastest 200 in ODIs underlines his inclusion, emphasizing his capacity to assert dominance over rival bowling lineups. Kishan’s dynamic style and solid technique position him as a potential match-altering force at the top of the order, rendering him a valuable asset for the upcoming World Cup campaign.
15. Suryakumar Yadav
The inclusion of Suryakumar Yadav’s name in this squad might come as a surprise, considering his performances in ODIs thus far. While Suryakumar Yadav has displayed remarkable prowess in T20Is, amassing over 1600 runs in just 49 matches with three centuries, he has yet to replicate his success in the 50-overs format. Suryakumar Yadav has been a part of the white-ball setup for nearly two years. Furthermore, his role as a natural middle-order batsman in a nation abundant with top-order talent positions him as an ideal substitute should one of the starting middle-order batsmen encounter an injury. Suryakumar’s capacity to inject momentum into innings right from the outset could prove to be an invaluable asset for India in the World Cup, should he secure a place in the 15-member squad.
India’s Predicted Squad for ICC ODI World Cup 2023
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.
