Former Australian cricketer and World Cup winner, Tom Moody, has unveiled his handpicked 15-man squad for the forthcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Surprisingly, this lineup excludes the dynamic No.1 ranked T20I batsman, Suryakumar Yadav, who has been captivating T20 cricket audiences globally. Despite his T20 prowess and leading ICC T20I Batting Rankings, Yadav finds himself omitted from Moody’s selection.
Yadav, renowned for his explosive batting, commands respect in the T20 arena. His position atop the ICC T20I Batting Rankings testifies to his excellence in the shortest format. However, his transition to the 50-over format for India has encountered hurdles. Yadav’s performance in ODIs has failed to match his T20 feats, amassing a modest 511 runs in 26 matches at an average of 24.3, accompanied by two half-centuries.
In a video shared by Star Sports across their social media platforms, Tom Moody offered insights into his rationale for assembling the Indian squad for the imminent World Cup. Moody acknowledges the complexity of India’s task in assembling a definitive 15-man roster for the tournament, acknowledging the stiff competition for selection.
Moody’s squad construction begins with his selection of the top four batters. His picks for this critical role encompass Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer. However, it’s his omission of Suryakumar Yadav that draws attention, potentially influenced by Yadav’s inconsistent ODI performance.
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The wicketkeeper-batter roles in Moody’s lineup are claimed by KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan, underscoring their versatility. In the realm of spin-bowling all-rounders, Moody earmarks Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel as essential contributors. The pace-bowling all-rounder slots are secured by Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur.
The pace attack is spearheaded by an imposing trio consisting of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah. In the domain of spin, Moody’s choices are guided by the expertise of wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, completing his comprehensive ensemble.
While Moody’s selections may raise eyebrows with Suryakumar Yadav’s absence, his discerning choices resonate with the intent to craft a formidable, well-rounded team for the grand cricketing extravaganza ahead.
Tom Moody’s India Squad for World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav