Resting or rusting? State of India's World Cup hopefuls

The World Cup hosts are still in experiment mode while other contenders have given their main players a decent run

- Sanjjeev K Samyal

MUMBAI: At the 2019 ICC World Cup, India lost in the semi-final but there was no doubt who were the most impressive side in the tournament eventual champions England had three defeats to India's one in the round robin stage. Brimming with confidence, they put on a series of commanding performances to easily top the league stage.

Rohit Sharma had arrived in top form, a picture of focus and calm at the crease. Virat Kohli was in good rhythm and KL Rahul was solid. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were sharp and Yuzvendra Chahal was in rhythm. They had the look of a champion side. Losing to New Zealand in the semis thus was an upset.

The 2023 World Cup at home is just two months away, but can we confidently say that India have the look of a champion side? Are we sure what the 15 is going to be?

From the start of 2021, the team management has tried every option, fielding as many as 44 players in 41 games. Yet, in this West Indies series we are still in experiment mode.

Coach Rahul Dravid has defended his decision to try out players during the three ODIS. But with limited time on hand, settling into their rhythm is key for the players. For India's Cup, there are no players more important than Rohit and Kohli. Both sat out the last two ODIS and barely got game time in the first (Kohli didn't bat, and Rohit at No.7, played out a few overs at the end).

ODIs ignored