ODI World Cup 2023: As the host nation for the 2023 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, India is on the verge of welcoming cricket enthusiasts for an enthralling tournament. The event will kick off with England going head-to-head against New Zealand in the opening match scheduled for October 5. As the anticipation builds for this remarkable cricketing spectacle, it’s crucial to assess the prominent areas of apprehension for the Indian cricket team as they gear up for this significant competition.
Major concerns for India in ODI World Cup 2023:
1. Senior Players’ form
The performance of senior players, notably captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, will hold utmost significance for India’s prospects in the 2023 World Cup. Following a relatively lean period post the 2019 World Cup, Kohli has effectively regained his form in 2023. He has amassed 427 runs in nine innings, maintaining an average of 53.37, and achieving two centuries along with a fifty.
Regarding Rohit, his performance consists of 383 runs across nine innings in 2023, with an average of 47.87. He has managed to secure one century and two half-centuries. In the upcoming 2023 World Cup, both Kohli and Rohit will bear the responsibility of anchoring India’s batting lineup. Given the uncertainties surrounding various positions in the batting order, the duo’s veteran presence will be pivotal.
2. Number 4 Problem
Since the conclusion of the 2019 World Cup, Indian cricket has grappled with a substantial predicament at the number 4 batting position. Despite several batsmen being tested in this role, India has yet to secure a stable option just a couple of months ahead of the 2023 World Cup. KL Rahul is the most suitable option but his fitness is a major concern. While Iyer and Pant are also battling on injuries.
Suryakumar Yadav, who gained prominence through dynamic performances in the T20 format, has encountered difficulties in replicating such performance in ODIs where he has accumulated 511 runs across 26 matches, maintaining an average of 24.33.
3. Fast Bowling
India is holding onto the anticipation that their spearheading paceman, Jasprit Bumrah, can reclaim his dominant form in preparation for the 2023 ODI World Cup. The right-arm pace bowler has been grappling with a persistent back injury since July 2022, which consequently led to his absence from the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 IPL.
A resurgent Bumrah could potentially fortify India’s fast-bowling artillery, with either Mohammed Siraj or Mohammed Shami serving as the accompanying pace-bowling option alongside the 29-year-old.
4. Wicketkeeper
The problem surrounding the number 4 batting position intertwines with India’s ongoing uncertainty in the wicket-keeper role. Given the injuries to both Pant and Rahul, Ishan Kishan has assumed the responsibilities of this position within the 50-over setup. Meanwhile, Rahul’s role becomes even more crucial due to his successful stint at the number five spot, amassing 735 runs at an impressive average of 56.53.
5. Spin Combination
India is confronted with the challenge of abundance in spin department. While Ravindra Jadeja is a given in the starting XI, there remains a solitary spot available for another spinner within the lineup. The upcoming World Cup, hosted by India, is expected to accentuate the role of spinners in the competition.
Yuzvendra Chahal, the leading wicket-taker in T20Is for India, is slated to partake in his final ODI World Cup. His inclusion alongside Jadeja could present a sturdy spin combination. Kuldeep Yadav, who displayed commendable performances against the West Indies in the recently concluded ODI series, seeks to assert his presence within the starting XI.Additionally, the team management might be enticed to field the spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel alongside Jadeja. Ashwin can be a good option too.
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER.
