India's spin legend Harbhajan Singh expressed his astonishment at Yuzvendra Chahal's exclusion from India's ODI World Cup 2023 squad. The team, led by skipper Rohit Sharma, opted all-rounders like Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur for a balanced line-up. Harbhajan Singh called Chahal a "pure match winner" and took to social media to put forth his views on star spinner's exclusion from India's World Cup fold.
Harbhajan Singh, the former Indian cricket team spinner, publicly expressed his surprise at the omission of Yuzvendra Chahal from India's Cricket World Cup 2023 squad. The squad was announced with much fanfare, spotlighting all-rounders like Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, and Hardik Pandya. Harbhajan took to social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, to air his views. He posted, "Surprise not to see @yuzi_chahal in the World Cup squad for Team India. Pure match winner."
During the official press conference, India's captain Rohit Sharma elaborated on the team's focus on all-rounders, emphasizing the need for a balanced squad. "We need to create that depth (in batting and bowling) as it was lacking in our team for the last few years. When we talk about depth in batting, that No. 9, No. 8 positions become very crucial," Sharma said.
Rohit also pointed out that players like Thakur and Axar are envisioned to provide the crucial runs during the backend of the innings, which could be a game-changer. "In the first game here (against Pakistan), we saw that we fell short in the backend. We want tailenders to contribute too," Sharma stated. He went on to add, "Another 10-15 runs in that game would have made a difference. It is the margin between winning and losing. We have spoken to them and told them to don that role too in the WC."
The exclusion of Yuzvendra Chahal, an experienced and accomplished spinner, raises questions about India's spin-bowling strategy for the World Cup. The decision to opt for all-rounders like Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur reflects a tactical shift, prioritizing balance and depth in both batting and bowling. It remains to be seen how this strategic emphasis on all-round talent will pan out for Team India in the upcoming World Cup.
Harbhajan Singh's pointed question on social media has added another layer to the ongoing debate about squad selection. As the Cricket World Cup 2023 approaches, discussions around the composition and balance of Team India will continue to capture the nation's attention, and perhaps even influence the team's preparations.
India's squad for ODI World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.
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