No Ashwin, Ishan & Surya! Sunil Gavaskar Picks India’s XI For ODI World Cup 2023 Match Against Australia
Introduction
The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as India gears up to kickstart its journey in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. The much-anticipated clash against Australia is set to take place on Sunday, October 8th, at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Adding to the anticipation is the announcement of India’s playing XI by the legendary former opener, Sunil Gavaskar. Interestingly, Gavaskar’s selection raises eyebrows, as he has left out key players like Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar Yadav. In this blog post, we delve into Gavaskar’s selections, the rationale behind them, and the potential impact on India’s campaign in the World Cup.
The ODI World Cup 2023 Squad
Before we dive into Gavaskar’s selections, let’s take a quick look at India’s squad for the ODI World Cup 2023. The squad announcement on September 28th saw the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin as a replacement for the injured Axar Patel. This decision immediately grabbed attention, as Ashwin’s presence in the limited-overs format had been minimal over the past six years, with only four ODIs to his name.
Gavaskar’s Bold Selections
Sunil Gavaskar, known for his astute cricketing acumen, didn’t shy away from making bold choices in India’s playing XI for the ODI World Cup opener. Here are the key highlights of his selections:
1. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja as Spinners
Gavaskar opted for the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja. This choice emphasizes the importance of spin in the subcontinent conditions, where slow bowlers often play a crucial role in controlling the game.
2. Shreyas Iyer at No. 4
In a surprising move, Gavaskar preferred Shreyas Iyer over Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav for the No. 4 batting position. This decision reflects his belief in Iyer’s ability to anchor the innings in pressure situations.
3. Three-Pace Attack
The pace attack features Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami. Gavaskar’s choice underlines the importance of pace and the ability to take wickets, especially in the early overs.
4. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as Openers
Gavaskar retained Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as the opening pair. A strong start from these two dynamic batsmen could set the tone for India’s innings.
5. Virat Kohli at No. 3
Captain Virat Kohli will bat at No. 3, a position where he has delivered match-winning performances consistently. His form and leadership will be critical for India’s success.
Gavaskar’s Insights
Explaining his selections, Sunil Gavaskar stressed the importance of a strong top order. He expressed, “In any group, the main three hitters are very significant. A decent beginning from the openers assists the others that with following to uninhibitedly play. The commitment from the initial pair will be significant.”
Regarding the bowling lineup, he offered flexibility, saying, “You may pick three fast bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah. If they want to go with two seamers since they already have Hardik Pandya, then an extra spinner can be included. You can have Ashwin in the eleven.”
Irfan Pathan’s Perspective
Irfan Pathan, also part of the discussion, supported Gavaskar’s top seven selections but added an important dimension. He emphasized the need for a balanced bowling attack, given the possibility of dew affecting matches in the tournament. Pathan said, “I concur with the best seven. In any case, I believe the Indian group should go with the legitimate five bowlers. You have Hardik as the 6th bowler, however you ought to go with bowlers with wicket-taking capacities.”
Pathan further exhorted, “So go with the fundamental bowlers, be it three quick bowlers that incorporate Siraj, Shami, and Bumrah. In the event that you believe somebody should collaborate with Kuldeep Yadav, go with a legitimate bowler in Jadeja assuming that it’s on a turning track. Go with legitimate bowlers who just contemplate wickets. Your main 7 hitters can deal with the runs.”
Conclusion
The selection of India’s playing XI for the ODI World Cup 2023 opener against Australia by Sunil Gavaskar has generated significant interest and debate among cricket enthusiasts. Gavaskar’s emphasis on a formidable top order and a balanced bowling attack indicates a well-thought-out strategy. As fans eagerly await the clash on October 8th, these selections will remain a focal point of discussion and analysis.
FAQs
1. Why did Sunil Gavaskar leave out Ravichandran Ashwin from the playing XI?
Gavaskar’s decision to exclude Ashwin may be attributed to Ashwin’s limited recent appearances in ODIs and the emphasis on other bowling options.
2. What is the significance of Shreyas Iyer’s inclusion at No. 4?
Gavaskar’s choice of Shreyas Iyer at No. 4 reflects his confidence in Iyer’s ability to stabilize the innings and provide solidity in the middle order.
3. Why did Irfan Pathan stress the need for five proper bowlers?
Pathan’s suggestion for five bowlers is influenced by the potential dew factor in evening matches, which could make it challenging for bowlers. He believes that having wicket-taking bowlers is crucial.
4. Who are the key players to watch out for in India’s playing XI?
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and the pace trio of Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj are the key players to watch in India’s playing XI.
5. When and where is India’s ODI World Cup 2023 opener against Australia?
India will play its first match in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 against Australia on Sunday, October 8th, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.