New Delhi. After her selection for the Asia Cup, several statements are coming. Former opener Gautam Gambhir has said that India should select the squad for the World Cup based on current form and game-changing impact and not favor any “strong contender” for a particular spot. Before the ODI World Cup starting October 5, India will play the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka followed by a three-match home series against Australia.
Talking about the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, Gambhir told Star Sports, “One thing is clear when you are trying to win the World Cup, there is no strong contender for any place.” Recovering from concussions, Lokesh Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have also been included in the 17-man squad for the Asia Cup, while young left-handed batsman Tilak Verma is also part of the squad, awaiting his ODI debut.
The Indian selectors have once again reposed faith in Suryakumar Yadav who has so far failed to make an impact in ODIs. Ishan Kishan has been selected as the second wicketkeeper after Rahul. “As (Indian team captain) Rohit Sharma said, there is no guarantee of any player’s place,” Gambhir said.
He said, “It’s good to have Shreyas Iyer and Lokesh Rahul back from injury but they will have to perform if they want a place in the XI. If Tilak Verma is in better form than anyone. If Suryakumar Yadav is in better form than Shreyas Iyer or Lokesh Rahul or Ishan Kishan then you should give him a chance.
Gambhir also praised the decision to give Suryakumar a long chance. On the discussion of including three left-handed batsmen in the playing eleven, Gambhir said that the in-form player should get a chance. He said, “As I said earlier, form is important. Who is the right-handed batsman or who is the left-handed batsman or should we play three left-handed batsmen is a futile debate. There is no compulsion that you have a left-hander in the team or that you have three left-handers in the XI.
,
Tags: Suryakumar Yadav, World Cup 2023
First published: August 22, 2023, 16:36 IST