As Team India’s final squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup was announced, the absence of Axar Patel due to a quadriceps muscle tear came as a significant blow. India opted for the experienced Ravichandran Ashwin as the replacement, a move that legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh believes may not have been the ideal choice.
Sundar vs. Ashwin: The Missed Opportunity
Yuvraj Singh highlighted a missed opportunity in India’s World Cup squad selection. When Axar Patel suffered his injury during the Super Four game in the Asia Cup against Bangladesh, Washington Sundar was the player initially called upon to join the team. Later, Ashwin was also considered, but he was unavailable due to lack of match fitness. This led to Sundar’s inclusion in the squad for the final, although he did not have a chance to bat or bowl.
During the squad selection for the Australia series, both Ashwin and Sundar were added as replacements for Axar Patel, giving the management a chance to evaluate both options. However, with Ashwin featuring in the first two games, it became apparent that he was the preferred choice.
Yuvraj’s Perspective on the Missed Opportunity
Speaking at a promotional event in Delhi, Yuvraj Singh expressed his view that India could have made a different choice. He suggested that selecting Washington Sundar over Ravichandran Ashwin would have added another left-handed option to India’s lineup.
Yuvraj stated, “With Axar not there we have to wait and see who will bat at No. 7. I was thinking if Washington Sundar would have played in place of Axar then India would have had another left-hander. But unfortunately, he did not get picked and so did Yuzvendra Chahal. But otherwise, I feel the combination is fine.”
The No. 4 Conundrum
Yuvraj Singh also weighed in on India’s long-standing No. 4 batting position conundrum. India’s search for a stable No. 4 batter has been ongoing since Yuvraj’s retirement. Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, acknowledged the challenge, and various batters, including Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, have been tested in the role.
While Iyer has emerged as a strong contender for the No. 4 spot, Yuvraj Singh suggested that it’s crucial for the team management to settle on a consistent choice between Rahul and Iyer for that position. He emphasized the need to avoid constant changes during the World Cup, providing stability to the middle order.
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