In the lead-up to the eagerly awaited Cricket World Cup 2023, there’s a conundrum brewing in the Indian cricket fraternity. As the decision lingers between Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan for the crucial middle-order spot, former captain Mohammad Azharuddin’s insights add a new dimension to this selection.
The Indian cricket team, already inundated with a plethora of talents, finds itself grappling with choices, especially in the middle-order with Iyer, Kishan, and Suryakumar Yadav all vying for one spot. Shreyas Iyer, who once confidently claimed the number four position before a debilitating back injury sidelined him, has recently catapulted himself to the forefront with a sterling century in Indore. This performance, coupled with Azharuddin’s endorsement, has fueled speculations that Iyer might just have solidified his place. “Shreyas, with his affirmative intent and ability to score consistently, seems almost irreplaceable at the moment,” remarked Azharuddin.
However, the narrative doesn’t stop there. With the recent injury concerns surrounding Axar Patel, the door might just have opened a crack for R Ashwin’s return to the ODI setup. His commendable performances against Australia have certainly caught Azhar’s attention, praising the off-spinner’s vast array of variations. The former captain quipped, “Ashwin’s inclusion seems almost imperative, especially given his superior batting prowess in comparison to other spinners.”
While the batting line-up and spin department have been the talk of the town, the fast bowling composition also saw Azharuddin throwing his weight behind Mohammad Shami over Shardul Thakur. Despite Shardul’s contributions, Azhar believes that Shami’s enduring prowess with the ball gives him an edge.
But the surprise package, according to Azhar, is young Shubman Gill. Racking up five ODI centuries in the past year, Gill’s meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed. “Gill might just be the linchpin for India in this World Cup. If he provides those brisk starts, the rest can capitalize,” said the former skipper.
As hosts, the pressure on India is palpable. Not having clinched an ICC trophy since 2013, the weight of expectations looms large. Azhar candidly expressed, “The team should keep their focus on the game rather than getting consumed by the weight of semi-finals or finals.”
In a final note, Azharuddin expressed his dismay at his home city, Hyderabad, missing out on hosting an India match, emphasizing its rich cricketing legacy. “Hyderabad truly deserved a marquee fixture,” he lamented.
As the World Cup fever mounts, these insights from one of the game’s astute minds remind us of the beauty and unpredictability of cricket.
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