On Monday, India’s World Cup squad has finally been announced. The debate for the number four was shut down finally with Ambati Rayudu being dropped for being inconsistent despite getting enough chances. Along with Hardik Pandya, Vijay Shankar, who only came in the frame during the Australia tour will most probably bat at that position.
Shankar has got the responsibility in a few of the matches and he did extremely well so far. MSK Prasad also confirmed that Kedar Jadhav could also bat in the important middle-order position if the need arises with KL Rahul can be seen batting at that position.
As expected, the pace trio of Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Jasprit Bumrah picked themselves in the squad and there were no surprises in that aspect. However, Navdeep Saini and Khaleel Ahmed are the reserve bowlers it seems if the selector’s comments are to be believed.
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Another hot topic was the back-up for MS Dhoni during the World Cup. Rishabh Pant has been making a case for himself with his flamboyant batting and even most of the former cricketers wanted him to get picked. But the selectors went for the experience ahead of the exuberance of youth. Dinesh Karthik has been included in the squad which seems to be a fair call at the moment.
It goes without saying that Virat Kohli will lead the side and Rohit Sharma will be his deputy. Shikhar Dhawan will open the innings with Rohit while Ravindra Jadeja can come into the equation during the latter stages of the tournament. Like Shankar, even he too came into the frame only last year thanks to Hardik Pandya’s injury during the Asia Cup.
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Jadeja grabbed onto the opportunity and performed consistently since then in all the departments to make the cut finally. One would feel that Rayudu has been neglected for his inconsistency it seems and it eventually was the reason for his axing.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to India’s World Cup squad:
Very surprised to see that @RishabPant777 not included in the world cup squad! He can change a game within a matter of few overs, would have also liked to see the likes of either Gill or Iyer included in the squad just to add more depth to the Middle order
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) April 15, 2019
High voltage expectations from this group. Clearly they've chosen experience and patience in the form of @DineshKarthik. Middle order will be very interesting to see @klrahul11/@DineshKarthik could be at number 4. Rest seems sorted with @JadhavKedar and @msdhoni at number 5/6.
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) April 15, 2019
Still feel that India could have gone with a fourth seamer but having said that getting 14/15 right isn't too bad #CWC19
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) April 15, 2019
Best of luck to the #MenInBlue https://t.co/51Rg3yS9Yv
— Varun ZAFAR Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) April 15, 2019
6 mnths back, Mohammad Shami was nowhere near being considered for white ball cricket, but some outstanding performances has ensured he plays his 2nd World Cup. Him & Jadeja have fought their way back in .There will be few disappointed players but best wishes to Team India #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/tqjm2nAwAM
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 15, 2019
Wasn’t Pant elevated to the top tier of the Central Contracts a few weeks back?? Not a certainty in two of the three formats. 😐🤨
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 15, 2019
Only 1 left hander in the Indian Top 7 for the WC …. Another reason why @RishabPant777 should have been included …. !!! #OnOn
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 16, 2019
