Indian captain Rohit Sharma and Chairman of Men's Senior Selection Committee, Ajit Agarkar announced a 15-member squad for the marquee World Cup 2023. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who recently made a comeback after recovering from long-term injuries, have secured their spots in the squad. The middle-order backup slot was a three-way tussle between Suryakumar Yadav, newcomer Tilak Varma, and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. Ultimately, Suryakumar made the cut.
The final squad largely includes familiar faces from the group that traveled to Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup. Notable exclusions from the Asia Cup squad include Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, and Prasidh Krishna. While both Prasidh Krishna and Jasprit Bumrah recently returned from long-term injuries, only Bumrah has made it to the final 15-man squad. India's fast-bowling department includes Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
With concerns over India's batting depth in limited-overs cricket, Shardul Thakur seems to have secured his place in the squad over Prasidh Krishna. Yuzvendra Chahal, who was left out for the Asia Cup, continues to be sidelined, with Kuldeep Yadav selected as the sole wrist spinner in the squad. The spin department also includes Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also failed to make the cut.
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Ishan Kishan, who played a crucial role with a half-century in India's opening Asia Cup fixture against Pakistan, retains his position as the backup wicketkeeper-batter in the squad. The final squad aims to provide balance and depth in both batting and bowling departments as India prepares for the T20 World Cup.
Check out the squad here:
Squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj.