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As the anticipation builds up for the highly awaited ICC ODI World Cup 2023, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has provided his insights into the possible playing XI for Team India. In a recent interview, Kaif unveiled his selections and mentioned that India will go back to their bankable and more experienced players when they return to the side.
Notably, captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were rested for the last two games of the recently concluded series against the hosts West Indies. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
“Shreyas Iyer is injured, KL Rahul is recovering. I hope they will all return to the side (in time for the World Cup). So all this talk about new players coming into the side, they will not get a chance in the team. Your (Team India’s) XI is all set,” said Kaif, as quoted by PTI.
“Iyer, when he returns, will play at No. 4. You have Shubman Gill and skipper Rohit Sharma (as openers), at No. 3 you have Virat Kohli, at No. 4 you have (Shreyas) Iyer, at No. 5 you have KL Rahul.”
The surprise exclusion of Mohammed Siraj
One of the most eye-catching revelations from Kaif’s selections is his hint that Mohammed Siraj might not secure a place in the final XI for the World Cup. Despite Siraj’s impressive performances in recent times and his knack for picking up crucial wickets, Kaif’s prediction raises questions about the competition among India’s talented fast bowling unit.
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Balancing the Squad
Kaif’s selections focus on striking a balance between youth and experience while ensuring the team’s proficiency in all departments. He further selected Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja as his choices for the all-round roles, with Axar Patel or Shardul Thakur potentially filling the No.8 slot based on the prevailing conditions. Occupying the remaining spots in Kaif’s envisioned playing XI were Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah.
“Hardik Pandya at 6, (Ravindra) Jadeja at No.7, Axar Patel or Shardul Thakur will play at No.8 depending on the condition (of the pitch). At No.9, you will have Kuldeep Yadav… he has a good ODI record, and at No. 10 and 11, you will have the two fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Bumrah,” added Kaif.
“Even Siraj might not find a place in the XI. So, when it will be difficult to accommodate Siraj, then the new players we are talking about, they might not get the opportunity in this World Cup,” he concluded.
With a pool of exceptional talents available, choosing the final XI is indeed a challenging task. Kaif’s insight provides a glimpse into the strategic considerations that the selectors and team management might take into account as they finalize their squad.
