INDIA ANNOUNCES SQUAD FOR ICC MEN'S ODI WORLD CUP 2023: SURPRISES, SPECULATION, AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled India’s 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, igniting anticipation among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The BCCI’s senior men’s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, orchestrated a selection that has sparked discussions and surprises within the cricketing community.

- SUNIL YASH KALRA

Agarkar, a former cricketer and the head of the selection panel, recently traveled to Sri Lanka to consult with ODI team captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid, a significant factor in shaping the final squad. Several unexpected choices have caught the eye. Notably, three players from the Asia Cup’s traveling contingent—Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Prasidh Krishna—failed to secure World Cup berths. However, the return of KL Rahul, now declared fit, adds depth to the squad. The absence of Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin has raised eyebrows among fans. Rohit Sharma will retain his captaincy, with Hardik Pandya serving as vice-captain, a widely expected decision.