ODI World Cup 2023: Wasim Jaffer picks India's squad
Wasim Jaffer confidently named Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Shikhar Dhawan as his trio of openers.
Crickate
As the much-anticipated ODI World Cup draws near, Indian cricket fans anxiously await the selection of the Indian squad that will represent the nation on home soil. Wasim Jaffer, a former Indian batsman, recently revealed his favoured 15-member team, surprising fans with his audacious selections and strategic insights.
The seasoned cricketer revealed his favoured ODI World Cup lineup. Jaffer confidently named Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Shikhar Dhawan as his triumvirate of openers, emphasising the importance of having an experienced backup opener such as Dhawan.
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Shikhar Dhawan will be my three openers. Even though Shikhar Dhawan may not be in the starting XI, I believe having him as the reserve opener is essential," Jaffer argued during a lively JioCinema discussion.
When discussing the middle order, Jaffer placed Virat Kohli at the crucial number three position, followed by Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya, in that order. Jaffer's decision to include three spinners in his World Cup squad, citing the anticipated conditions at home, was an intriguing one.
"Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav will be the three spinners in my XI," he said.Jaffer's selection of spinners Jadeja, Patel, and Yadav coincided with India's ongoing West Indies series squad, where they will demonstrate their abilities.
Jaffer supported the idea of utilising Hardik Pandya's bowling abilities, even if not for the full ten overs, in light of the significance of all-round performance."Even if he doesn't bowl ten overs and bowls seven-eight overs, it's enough for me," Jaffer said, emphasising Pandya's ability to contribute with both the bat and the ball.
The former opening batsman chose Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as his two seamers for the eleven. Moreover, he emphasised the importance of a bowling-fit Hardik Pandya for India's success on home soil.
"I will have Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj/Mohammed Shami in my eleven. I will play Bumrah and Siraj, two seamers. Since the World Cup is being held in India, it is crucial to me that Hardik Pandya bowls," Jaffer explained methodically.
Jaffer selected Shardul Thakur and Sanju Samson as reserve players, demonstrating his confidence in their ability to contribute depth to the team.
"If he bowls, I will attempt to play three spinners, and I will play Axar and Jadeja because they are both all-rounders. Obviously, my third spinner will be Kuldeep. Shardul Thakur will be my fourth sailor. Sanju Samson will serve as my reserve wicketkeeper, as Shikhar has already been selected as my third opener," Jaffer explained.
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