‘There were some fitness issues, which we had to look into’ – Chief selector Ajit Agarkar on India’s squad for ODI World Cup 2023

Cricket News
Steven
September 5, 2023

The all-format captain of the Indian cricket team, Rohit Sharma and the chairman of the selection committee of the Indian cricket board Ajit Agarkar recently announced India’s 15-man squad for the ODI World Cup 2023, which will be hosted across 10 venues in India. The former Indian cricketer Ajit Agarkar talked about the much-awaited comeback of India’s three star players.

Notably, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah had been away from Cricket for a few months due to injuries, however, Agarkar answered the media queries and informed that KL Rahul is fit to play and has been batting and keeping wickets for 50 overs in the practice games. While Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah are already ready back with the Indian squad.

Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma on squad selection

“A lot of the guys picked themselves. There were some fitness issues, which we had to look into. All the three guys are okay. This squad gives us the best balance. Rahul has played a couple of games over the last two days (practice games),” remarked Agarkar, emphasizing the importance of player fitness and the need for a well-balanced squad”, said chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar.

“Ishan Kishan played very well. We are happy to have two options, which will fight for a spot in the team. The coach and the captain will decide (who will play),” added Ajit Agarkar

“There will be some missing out and that happens every time. We can fit only 15 players. We looked at how to create a good balance and this is the best we could get. It’s good thing if people are fighting for their spots. It is challenging. We have to look at who is in form, what opposition is in front, who will benefit more; we look at all these factors and decide upon the team for matches. This happens in Cricket, we have to make tough calls. What is good for us on a given day, we do that”, said Rohit Sharma.

India’s squad for ODI World Cup: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc) Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Suryakumar Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav.