Cricket enthusiasts across the globe are eagerly awaiting the commencement of the ICC 2023 World Cup, scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19. With the excitement building, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly finalized the 15-member provisional squad for the mega tournament.
KL Rahul Fully Fit
In a noteworthy development, KL Rahul, who had been sidelined due to a hamstring operation, has received the green light from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. This news has sent waves of jubilation among fans, as Rahul is said to have earned a coveted spot in India’s provisional squad. While the official announcement is still pending, the inclusion of Rahul marks a remarkable return to the national team.
Rahul’s journey back to full fitness has been closely monitored by NCA coaches and the team management. Extensive net sessions and match simulations have reportedly showcased his readiness to rejoin the squad in Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup 2023. Expected to resume his role as the team’s wicketkeeper, Rahul is poised to reclaim his pivotal number 5 spot in the batting order.
India’s World Cup Squad Announcement Delayed
Originally slated for a September 4 unveiling, the announcement of India’s World Cup squad was deferred by a day, primarily due to the imperative fitness evaluation of KL Rahul. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has stipulated September 5 as the cutoff date for all participating teams to submit their initial squads for the World Cup. The finalization of squads is mandated by September 28, with any subsequent alterations necessitating ICC approval.
Reports have suggested that BCCI’s selection committee chairman, Ajit Agarkar, embarked on a crucial trip to Sri Lanka to confer with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and the team’s head coach, Rahul Dravid. The squad’s finalization occurred following the India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 match in Pallekele, which regrettably ended in a rain-induced washout.
While the provisional squad for the World Cup is filled with prominent names, including Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya (Vice-Captain), and Jasprit Bumrah, it is also expected to feature some rising stars. The retention of Ishan Kishan as the second wicketkeeper-batsman could affect the selection status of other contenders like Sanju Samson.
India’s provisional squad for World Cup 2023:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav.
