5 Players who are likely to break into World Cup 2023 Squad.
The ODI World Cup is less than a year away and it is being held in India yet again. The last time, India hosted the marquee event they ended up winning the World Cup after a long hiatus of 28 Years.
The 2 World Cups that followed, India couldn't breach past the semifinals. However the 2023 World Cup can be an ice breaker for India in ICC Tournaments, which they haven't won any post 2013.
While it seems apparent, that BCCI and the Indian thinktank are investing their entire energy and dedication for the T20 World Cup, deep down they have also started to build the squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup too.
Today we will have a look at 5 players who could make a strong claim for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
(Careful: There is one underdog too in this list.)
1. Shikhar Dhawan: Shikhar Dhawan may not be a favourable name when it comes to T20s but he is still a force to reckon with in the ODIs. The southpaw who is 36 currently and is supposed to hang up his boots after the 2023 World Cup is still going strong in the ODIs and is currently India's highest run getter in the 2022 calendar year. Lack of a potent left handed batsman at the top might open the doors for Shikhar Dhawan for the World Cup squad.
2. Shubman Gill: Team India are definitely looking for seasoned campaigners for the 2023 World Cup but they have an eye for the future too. That's where the likes of Shubman Gill steps in. Shubman Gill had a dream start to his ODI career notching up 3 half-centuries slong with a maiden century in his last 6 innings. The youngster has shown signs of promise and is delivering too. However the only point of concern remains is his prowess and preference of playing in the top order. If Team Management manages to make Kl Rahul play in the middle order we might see Gill as the backup opener for the World Cup.
3. Deepak Hooda: Another promising star in the making is batting all-rounder Deepak Hooda. Now many people might raise a few eye brows regarding this given his ODI Credentials are not so impressive. However one must not forget that the World Cup is going to be held in the subcontinent and India might need his off-spin, if India decides not to include a regular off-spinner in their squad. Not to forget about his late order hitting.
4. Kuldeep Yadav: 112 wickets from 69 matches, it is hard to keep a spinner with such stats out of the team especially when you are playing in the sub-continent. Kuldeep Yadav has time and again proved his worth in spin friendly conditions and has been showing signs of improvement after his slump in form. Kuldeep Yadav can be a trump card for his captain in India given his variations and unique bowling angle, and so we might see him making it into the squad.
5. Arshdeep Singh: Another youngster that might get a surprise nod for the 2023 World Cup is Arshdeep Singh. Arshdeep Singh has shown his ability to bowl upfront and also in the death and can swing the ball both ways too. There will be steep competition from the likes of Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Bhubaneswar Kumar and Avesh Khan for the 3rd seamer spot but Arshdeep might get the nod given his left arm angle.
Now coming to the wildcard entrant which many might not see coming.
Cheteswar Pujara: Sounds shocking? May be. But Pujara has added another layer of strokeplay and batsmanship in county cricket for Sussex. The Sussex Captain has scored already 482 runs in 7 innings with an average of 96.4 at the Royal London Cup. Pujara has maintained a strike rate of over 100 in the tournament and has even scored a magnificent 174. If the selectors take a look at form over reputation we might see Pujara in the limited overs setup yet again.
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