Team India is preparing for the 2023 ODI World Cup later this year in India. In recent times, it is clear that the selectors are coming down hard on non-performers. For instance, Harshal Patel was recently dropped from the T20I squad. Similarly, we could expect similar decisions to be taken concerning the ODI squad, too. On that note, here, we take a look at two Indians who might not be considered for the 2023 ODI World Cup if they fail in New Zealand ODI Series.
1) Yuzvendra Chahal
Kuldeep Yadav is not allowing Yuzvendra Chahal any breathing space at the moment. Chahal is neither helping himself as he has suffered a loss in form. Earlier, he used to pick wickets consistently in the middle overs but that’s not happening now.
While Kuldeep has earned his spot, the other likely contenders for the spin department are Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja. Since the others are all-rounders, the chances of Chahal returning to the squad is minimal if he does not fare well against the Kiwis.
India’s squad for NZ ODIs:
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KS Bharat (wk), Hardik Pandya (vc), Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik— BCCI (@BCCI) January 13, 2023
2) Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur is one of the Indians who might not be considered for the 2023 ODI World Cup if they fail in the New Zealand ODI Series. Interestingly, Shardul was selected for the ODI series against New Zealand despite missing the last series.
India’s pace attack is taking shape ahead of the ODI WC. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are confirmed in the XI while Shami is also not far behind. Umran Malik could be preferred for his pace while Arshdeep Singh is also an option due to his left-arm angle. Prasidh Krishna could also get a few games after returning from injury. Shardul Thakur must pick a lot of wickets and should also contribute with the bat. If he fails to do that, he could be dropped from the ODI Team for a long time.
