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The excitement is reaching fever pitch as the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 draws near. With just a few days remaining before the cricketing extravaganza kicks off, cricket enthusiasts around the world are eagerly anticipating a thrilling tournament filled with unforgettable moments. This year, India has the distinct honour of hosting the competition, and the buzz surrounding the Men in Blue is palpable.
The tournament, scheduled to begin on October 5, will commence with a riveting encounter between England and New Zealand. However, the focus of cricket fans worldwide will undoubtedly be on India, led by the dynamic Rohit Sharma, as they embark on their World Cup campaign. India’s first match in the tournament is scheduled to be against the mighty Australia on October 8 in Chennai, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
In the build-up to this high-octane clash, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has generated significant buzz by revealing his handpicked playing XI for the Indian team. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had already announced India’s 15-member squad for the World Cup, featuring a constellation of cricketing superstars, Bangar’s selections have sparked intrigue and debate among fans and experts alike.
Also READ: BCCI announces India squad for ODI World Cup 2023
Bangar picks a spin-dominated bowling attack
Speaking in a candid interview on Star Sports, Bangar provided valuable insights into his thought process while selecting the playing XI, taking into account the pitch conditions in Chennai, which are expected to favour spin bowlers. Bangar’s XI choices reflect a well-thought-out strategy aimed at securing victory against the formidable Australian side.
In the bowling department, Bangar’s selections revealed his preference for spin. He opted for Hardik Pandya as the third seamer, a decision that sees him favor Axar Patel over Shardul Thakur. Bangar placed his faith in the pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah to lead the fast-bowling attack. The former India cricketer also included Ravindra Jadeja as the all-rounder and Kuldeep Yadav as the specialist spinner to exploit the spin-friendly conditions.
Ishan Kishan over KL Rahul in Bangar’s XI
When it comes to the batting order, Bangar’s choices underscored his reliance on experience and promising talent. His preferred top-order batsmen include Rohit, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer, a formidable quartet capable of anchoring the innings and providing explosive firepower when needed.
In a noteworthy decision, Bangar went against the popular sentiment by opting for Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeper-batter over KL Rahul. This selection reflects Bangar’s confidence in Kishan’s ability to deliver match-winning performances on the grand stage.
Also READ: 7 Indian players from last ODI World Cup who couldn’t find a place in the 2023 CWC squad
Sanjay Bangar’s Indian XI for the clash against Australia:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
