Home
Team India's squad for the ODI World Cup was finally announced on Tuesday, September 5, which saw surprise inclusions and exclusions. The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was visibly thrilled during the announcement and emphasised the pivotal role that vice-captain and all-rounder Hardik Pandya will play in India's quest for the coveted ICC trophy.
The excitement was palpable on Tuesday when the Indian cricket team announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming 2023 Cricket World Cup. The announcement was made in Kandy, Sri Lanka, during a press conference led by team skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. As Rohit's name was announced at the top of the list as India's captain for the upcoming World Cup, the skipper's animated celebration immediately captured the internet's attention.
However, the focal point of the conversation shifted towards Hardik Pandya, the newly-named vice-captain for the World Cup. Rohit Sharma shared insights on the all-rounder's significance to the team's championship aspirations. “His form will be crucial to us. He's a guy who does both things (batting and bowling), and that's important. In the last year or so he has come up with the bat and his bowling has been good too. That's important for us,” Rohit stated after the squad was named.
Hardik Pandya's leadership qualities were also highlighted, especially considering he captained the Indian team in the second and third ODIs against West Indies when Rohit was rested. Furthermore, Pandya's performance has been consistently impressive, even as he leads the side in the T20 format.
Rohit was particularly impressed with Pandya's recent display in India's Asia Cup opener against Pakistan, where he along with Ishan Kishan staged a remarkable comeback for the team. “You saw the quality in the last game against Pakistan. Ishan and Hardik put their hands up and scored well. Obviously, with bowling too he's great. He has bowled well in the last year and a half for us. The way he batted in the last game showed that he has a very mature head on his shoulders. These are good signs for us,” he added.
The selection and subsequent press conference have certainly raised the anticipation levels for the World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted in India. With a squad that appears well-balanced and full of young and experienced talents, the team led by Rohit Sharma is all set to make a strong bid for the elusive ICC trophy. Hardik Pandya, with his dual abilities in batting and bowling, remains a linchpin in India's strategic planning. As preparations continue, the nation waits eagerly to see if this lineup will bring the World Cup home.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Australia announce 15-member strong squad for ODI World Cup with surprise entries and exits
ODI World Cup 2023: BCCI announce India's 15-member squad; Rahul, Bumrah selected despite very few ODI appearances after injury
US Open 2023: Novak Djokovic slams Roger Federer's all-time record after rocking Taylor Fritz to book semis berth
Asia Cup 2023: Rohit, Gill’s fifties lead India to easy 10-wicket win over Nepal in rain-interrupted clash, advance to Super Fours
Gambhir clarifies he didn't flip his finger in reaction to 'Kohli' chants but Pakistan fans for anti-India and Kashmir slogans
