Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, stated that he has spoken with a few individuals about filling the position of a spin-bowling all-rounder in the team for the Cricket World Cup 2023. Rohit made his remarks after India defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets to win the Asia Cup trophy on September 17 in a lopsided final played in Colombo. After the group stage of the Asia Cup 2023, India announced their preliminary ODI World Cup 2023 team. Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel were three of the three spinners picked by India for the World Cup Squad.
However, with Axar Patel’s injury a concern, India is trying to have backup alternatives available. Due to a left quadriceps strain sustained during their Super 4s encounter against Bangladesh on Friday. The all-rounder was unable to participate in the Asia Cup final. In an upcoming 3-match series from September 22 to 27, according to Rohit Sharma, Axar is unlikely to participate in the first two One-Day Internationals against Australia.
Top Choices for World Cup Squad
As Axar Patel’s substitute, Washington Sundar was flown in and added right away to the starting lineup for the championship match against Sri Lanka on Sunday. Sundar was not given the chance to bowl or bat as India routed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets, dismissing them for only 50 runs—the lowest total ever in an ODI competition final.
R Ashwin, on the other hand, was recently spotted practicing with a white ball while being closely observed by the head of the National Cricket Academy, VVS Laxman, and the spin-bowling coach, Sairaj Bahatule.
“I believe everyone is in line with the all-rounders who can spin bowl. Since I have been chatting to Ashwin on the phone, I will also say that I am speaking to him. He is definitely in line as a result. Washi is also. In a press conference with the media in Colombo, Rohit said. “We want those men who can do the job with the ball and the bat as well. In January 2022, Ashwin last competed in an ODI against South Africa at Paarl. In the past five years, he has only appeared in two ODIs.
ROHIT: Everyone is in the row
However, Rohit said that the decision to include Washington Sundar was made because he had been “cricket fit” while working out with the Asian Games team in Bengaluru. The Asian Games men’s cricket team for India includes Sundar and they begin on September 23.
“Washi was sincere when he said that Axar’s injury occurred late at night. To find out where some of the guys were, we had to phone them. We had to convince Washi to show up and take the part even though he was free. Fortunately, he was with the team in Bangalore for the Asian Games, bowling, training, and in cricket shape. As a result, he was on the pitch a lot. He has to be captured, Rohit said.
In the meanwhile, Rohit said that everyone is informed on their strategy for the World Cup. Especially those with whom the team management communicates outside of the World Cup squad.
“With some people who can step up and perform particular roles, I have been quite clear. I have spoken with everyone; I won’t mention any names. Everyone is conscious of what is taking place. Everyone is kept in the loop and is informed of what we are doing,” he continued. Up to September 28, teams can make changes to their ODI provisional squads.
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