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Scheduled to commence on October 5 in India, the 2023 ODI World Cup has triggered heightened expectations, particularly for the host nation. As India aims to break its ICC trophy drought that dates back to 2013, fans eagerly await their team’s performance on the global stage.
Team India had previously tasted World Cup glory in 2011 under MS Dhoni‘s leadership. Now, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue are gearing up for an intense battle for cricket’s most coveted prize.
Ahead of the global showpiece event, former skipper Sourav Ganguly has revealed his Indian squad for the ODI World Cup. With the nation’s hopes resting on their shoulders, the squad selection has sparked both excitement and debate among cricket enthusiasts.
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Ganguly’s squad picks highlight a mix of experience and emerging talent. The batting department boasts stalwarts like Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer, accompanied by the promising Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and KL Rahul. While Ishan Kishan claims the specialist wicket-keeper spot, Rahul’s presence allows flexibility for an additional batting option.
No place for Sanju Samson in Ganguly’s squad
However, the omission of Sanju Samson has raised eyebrows. Despite his impressive ODI record of 390 runs in 12 innings at an average of 55.71 and a strike rate of 104.00, Ganguly has opted to leave out the Rajasthan Royals’ star. The decision to overlook Samson, who was earlier named a reserve for the Asia Cup 2023, has sparked discussions on the reasoning behind the move.
Ganguly’s all-rounder picks encompass Hardik Pandya, alongside the spin prowess of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, complemented by Kuldeep Yadav as the specialist spinner. The fast bowling contingent features familiar faces like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur.
The former captain’s chosen squad reflects a strategic balance between youth and experience, as India seeks to reclaim the title on home turf. Ganguly’s lineup announcement has set the stage for fervent debates and discussions as cricket enthusiasts dissect the selections, analyzing the potential and prospects of the chosen players.
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Sourav Ganguly’s Indian squad for World Cup:
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya (VC), Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur.
