Few surprises in the WC squad
The Indian team has what it takes to be really competitive
With the majority of India’s squad of 15 for the World Cup picking itself, the selectors debated two issues: the Number 4 batsman’s slot; and the second wicketkeeper. The selectors have gone for all rounder Vijay Shankar for the middle order position; and named versatile and experienced
Dinesh Karthik ahead of the young, explosive Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper to be the backup to MS Dhoni. Karthik has been deemed a better wicketkeeper by the selectors (although, if that is the case, it is hard to explain how Pant is India’s Test wicketkeeper ahead of him). But he does bring a great deal of variety to the table. He can bat in the middle order (he averages 52.80 at Number 4 since the last World Cup); he can bat lower down; and he can ignite the death overs of an innings. While Karthik has been selected for his experience, the lack of it has not kept Shankar out. The batting all rounder has played in only nine One Day Internationals, and averages 33, less than what the other contender for the position, Ambati Rayadu (42.18) averaged since the 2015 World Cup. If that’s the case, he may get a look-in ahead of the other contender, KL Rahul (average since 2015: 46.88) who is in the team.
Talking of bowling, India has a profligacy of riches. Nine of the squad of 15 can bowl. Other than the three specialist fast bowlers (Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar), and two spinners (Y Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav), there are four all rounders: Ravindra Jadeja; Kedar Jadhav; Hardik Pandya; and Shankar. Of the all rounders, it is hard to see anyone (other than perhaps Jadeja) bowling ten overs. So does India have too many bits and pieces players? The true all rounder can walk into a side by dint of either batting or bowling. None of the current lot would really qualify on that count.
The top three of India’s batting lineup is among the best in the world. In Virat Kohli, India has the contemporary game’s most prolific scorer and best chaser. Collectively, the fast bowling attack is the best India has had in the limited overs format. And the wrist spinners are among the finest in the business. The unsettled look to the middle order remains. But the squad lacks neither variety nor balance, and has what it takes to be at least competitive in cricket’s premier limited overs tournament.