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As the countdown to the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 intensifies, cricket enthusiasts worldwide are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the commencement of the tournament on October 5 in India. The host nation, India, finds itself under the spotlight as the passionate cricket fandom yearns for an end to the title drought, with hopes soaring high for a victorious campaign in this year’s championship.
Notably, the Men in Blue have not clinched an ICC trophy since 2013, and their most recent World Cup victory dates back to 2011, with the charismatic MS Dhoni at the helm. The 10-team extravaganza is slated to kick off with a clash between England and New Zealand while hosts India will begin their campaign against Australia on October 8.
Meanwhile, Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden, renowned for his explosive batting during his playing days, has taken the spotlight by picking the squad he envisions for the Indian team in this multi-team spectacle.
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Hayden’s Squad: A Mix of Experience and Emerging Talent
Hayden commenced his selection with some customary choices, undoubtedly familiar to Indian cricket aficionados. The opening slots saw the inclusion of Rohit Sharma and the promising Shubman Gill, both of whom are expected to deliver dynamic performances at the top of the order. The trio of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer forms the core of the batting lineup, poised to provide stability and firepower in the middle.
Intriguingly, the 51-year-old former cricketer opted for Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeping options in his envisioned squad. Samson, boasting an impressive average of 55.71 in the 50-over format, had been omitted from the primary squad for the recent Asia Cup by the BCCI, being designated as a reserve player instead. A similar exclusion was witnessed when former India captain Sourav Ganguly disclosed his squad for the ODI World Cup, further fueling discussions about Samson’s selection prospects.
Strength in All-Round Prowess and Bowling Brilliance
Hayden displayed his penchant for strategic selection by including a blend of all-rounders to provide versatility to the team’s composition. Hardik Pandya, renowned for his power-packed batting and reliable bowling, was an obvious choice. Ravindra Jadeja, acclaimed for his exceptional skills both with the bat and the ball, found a place in the squad alongside Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur, rounding off the all-round options.
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The bowling department was shaped by Hayden’s decision to include the seasoned pace trio of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah. These bowlers have demonstrated their ability to deliver under pressure and take wickets consistently.
Matthew Hayden’s India squad for ODI World Cup 2023:
Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan and Axar Patel.
