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Legendary Pakistan batter Saeed Anwar has underlined Team India's two biggest flaws heading into the 2023 ODI World Cup. While Anwar admitted that Rohit Sharma's brigade remains the firm favourite to win the quadrennial competition at home, the ex-batter also shed light on two big reasons that might act as roadblocks. Anwar said that the small boundaries and death bowling can expose the Men in Blue and prevent them from winning the World Cup.
"But that inning of S. Abbott was gorgeous & terrible for India. In addition, I can sum up by saying, that India is the favorite to win the WC, but those small boundaries & death bowling will be the cause to prevent them," Anwar wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
India's death bowling was once again exposed during the second ODI against Australia in Indore on September 24 (Sunday) when Sean Abbott and Jos Hazlewood registered an explosive partnership for the 9th wicket. Of late, India have struggled to dismiss the opposition team's tailenders after dislodging the top-order batters early.
Final showdown ahead of World Cup
Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is set to make a comeback for India's third ODI and final clash against Australia after a one-match hiatus while bigwigs like captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav will also mark their returns to the Indian squad after being rested from the first two ODIs of the series.
Axar Patel's injury still a concern
The fitness of all-rounder Axar Patel, recovering from a quadricep tear, continues to be a concern for the team management as the World Cup approaches. Despite Ravichandran Ashwin's commendable performance in the recent matches, the management remains optimistic about Axar, the proficient left-arm spinner. The final roster for the World Cup will be unveiled on September 27. Inside sources suggest that Axar is still the frontrunner for the backup spinner's position, even ahead of the experienced pro from Tamil Nadu.
Gaikwad and Mukesh set sights on Asian Games
Ruturaj Gaikwad, captain of India's cricket team for the Asian Games and part of the initial two ODIs, is now preparing for his journey to Hangzhou. Mukesh Kumar, the paceman who stepped in during Bumrah's break, will also depart.
Furthermore, it's anticipated that Washington Sundar will be departing shortly after the game. Although the World Cup-bound Indian team has decided against traveling net bowlers, the likes of Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Mukesh Kumar will be called upon as necessary.
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