Team India faced a devastating loss in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final against Australia, succumbing to a massive 209-run margin. This defeat marked India’s second consecutive disappointment in the WTC finals, following their previous loss to New Zealand in 2021.
The resounding defeat has ignited a frenzy of discussions on social media, with fans expressing their concerns and raising questions about the performance of the current players. The demand for a complete overhaul of the squad has grown louder, as the team has consistently faltered in crucial matches across all formats.
Offering his insights, veteran Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik emphasized the need for a fresh approach. Karthik pointed out that several players in the current lineup are in their 30s, highlighting the importance of looking towards the future. He urged the selectors to introduce young talents into the team, advocating for the inclusion of three uncapped players – Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Mukesh Kumar.
Interestingly, Jaiswal and Mukesh were among the three reserve players selected alongside the 15-man squad for the WTC Final. Despite displaying remarkable performances in domestic cricket, Sarfaraz is yet to receive a call-up for the national team, making his inclusion even more noteworthy.
“I think a bit of both. In many ways we know that a lot of them are in their mid-30s. So few questions there for Rahul Dravid, who he wants to keep and who he wants to move on with. Now other names that you said, Bumrah, Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Pant. Iyer will walk into this team. Let’s make it very obvious. I think they warrant a place in the team. In this cycle, they have been one of the key reasons, why we are sitting here and talking in England today because that’s the kind of success they have helped India achieve,” said Karthik while talking on Cricbuzz.
“No. 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal. He has had a phenomenal domestic season. Are we going to find a place for him? No. 2 Sarfaraz Khan. Now that’s been a big name doing the rounds for some time now in the middle order. If you want to fit him in, who are you going to leave out and then followed by the Mukesh Kumars and the rest of them, is there a place for a new medium pacer to come in and stamp his authority over a period of time? Are you going to give him that two-year cycle?,” added Karthik.
