As India enters the final stages of preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has pointed out three crucial questions that the team still needs to answer. India, currently the top-ranked ODI team in the world, will play two warm-up games before kicking off their World Cup campaign, providing an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and make critical decisions.
On September 30, India will face the reigning ODI world champions, England, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Three days later, the Rohit Sharma-led side will take on the Netherlands at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
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Irfan Pathan’s Insights
- Final Playing XI: Irfan Pathan believes that the first question India needs to address is the composition of their final playing XI for the World Cup. Despite their recent successes, India has not yet finalized the eleven players who will take the field in the marquee event. This decision is critical, as it sets the tone for the entire tournament.
- Bowling Attack: India also needs to solidify their bowling attack before the World Cup. Pathan emphasized the importance of selecting the right combination of bowlers who can deliver consistent and effective performances throughout the tournament. The composition of the pace and spin departments will be crucial in determining India’s success.
- Middle-order Conundrum: One of the significant challenges facing India is sorting out the middle-order conundrum. With four batsmen vying for the number four and number five positions, the team must make informed decisions about who will fill these crucial roles. Finding the right balance and stability in the middle order is essential for India’s chances of success.
Pathan also highlighted the importance of Ravindra Jadeja’s performance with the bat at number seven. Jadeja’s contributions lower down the order can prove to be invaluable in tight situations. As India fine-tunes its strategies and finalizes it’s playing XI, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the team’s performance in the much-anticipated World Cup, hoping for another memorable campaign led by Captain Rohit Sharma.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place from October 5 to November 19. The tournament opener will feature defending champions England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. After the two warm-up matches, India will commence their World Cup journey on October 8 against Australia in Chennai.