Former India all-rounder and ex-head coach, Ravi Shastri, has outlined a pivotal strategy for Team India’s success in the impending ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Shastri emphasized the significance of integrating more all-rounders into the squad to attain equilibrium and enhance their prospects of triumph.
As the highly anticipated World Cup approaches, Team India is resolute to break their long-standing drought of an ICC title. The Men in Blue last secured an ICC trophy in 2013 during the Champions Trophy under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Furthermore, India’s last World Cup victory dates back to the historic triumph on home soil in 2011, masterminded by Dhoni’s captaincy.
Ravi Shastri, in his assessment of Team India’s composition for the impending ODI World Cup, stressed the importance of having a surplus of all-rounders in the lineup. The discussion arose while deliberating over the necessity of a backup wicketkeeper. With Rishabh Pant’s absence and KL Rahul’s impending return, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson are the sole specialized wicketkeepers in the ODI team. However, Samson’s underwhelming batting performance puts his spot in jeopardy.
Speaking on Star Sports, Ravi Shastri recommended prioritizing all-rounders over a backup wicketkeeper. He suggested omitting Samson from the squad and retaining him as a standby option for emergent situations.
“In my opinion, I would go with both the all-rounders – Axar and Shardul. It provides me flexibility. Keep Sanju Samson on standby, ready to step in as the wicketkeeper if the need arises,” articulated Ravi Shastri.
“Begin with the pacers, as they hold paramount importance for me. Assuming Bumrah is fit, he is an automatic selection. Shami too holds his place. Then, there is Siraj in the backup role, and if required, Shardul can step in. Shardul showcased his prowess in the West Indies one-day match; he offers a reliable backup option. This leaves room for one more selection.”
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Ravi Shastri’s sentiments resonated with his former teammate and former selector, Sandeep Patil. Patil echoed Shastri’s perspective, citing the instance of the triumphant 1983 World Cup squad, which featured an abundance of all-rounders. Patil highlighted the strategic luxury of having multifaceted players within the team.
“My concurrence with Ravi stems from reminiscing 1983. Our victorious combination boasted numerous all-rounders, a diverse lineup allowing versatile choices. The presence of all-rounders injects variety, rendering selection decisions more flexible,” concurred Sandeep Patil.
Indeed, the historical significance of all-rounders in Team India’s World Cup conquests cannot be understated. During the 1983 World Cup, the captaincy of all-rounder Kapil Dev led India to their maiden World Cup triumph. Similarly, in 2011, Yuvraj Singh’s stellar contributions with both bat and ball culminated in India’s successful quest to lift the coveted World Cup trophy.