In the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the majority of the players in the current Team India roster have limited experience in mega-events. Interestingly, only Ravi Ashwin and Virat Kohli have participated in more than two editions of this prestigious tournament.
It’s important to note that more than half of India’s team will be competing in their first World Cup as they prepare for the competition. Three players—Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami—have participated in two World Cups in addition to Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin. The rest of the team, meanwhile, has either never competed in a World Cup before or has only participated in one.
India’s World Cup campaign gets underway on October 8 in Chennai when they take on Australia. Four of their team members most certainly won’t be participating in this competition for the first time in this initial game.
Let’s have a look at the six Indian players who have been included in the Indian Squad for the World Cup for the first time.
1. Shubman Gill:
Watch out for this new sensation during the ongoing 2023 World Cup in India. As he prepares for his first World Cup encounter in Chennai, Gill, who has been absolutely superb in the 50-over format this year, is the center of attention. Along with the team’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill is prepared to bat as the opening batsman. With ten fifty-plus scores in just 20 innings this year, he has established himself as Rohit’s favored opening partner.
2. Shreyas Iyer:
Shreyas Iyer has been absent from the cricket field for an extended period since his participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India earlier this year. Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in the IPL, the World Test Championship final, as well as the tours of West Indies and Ireland due to injuries. Now, as he makes his highly-anticipated return, Iyer is on the verge of making his debut in the World Cup. He will be entrusted with a pivotal role in India’s middle-order as the designated number four batsman.
3. Ishan Kishan:
It seems like Ishan Kishan, the wicket-keeper batter, might have to wait for his chance to shine in the first few matches. Team India is considering having Shreyas Iyer at number 4 and KL Rahul taking up the wicket-keeper-batsman role at that position. However, the good news is that Ishan Kishan is on the verge of making his World Cup debut in this tournament. This is an exciting moment in his career, and he’s expected to play a significant role in India’s journey in the World Cup.
4. Mohammed Siraj:
Mohammed Siraj is likely to make his debut in the 2023 World Cup, marking a huge milestone in his cricketing career. Known for his amazing growth as a fast bowler, Siraj has received universal appreciation for his ability to produce wicket-taking movement and his developing success with the new ball. One of his notable performances was his excellent performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final in Colombo, where he destroyed the Sri Lankan batting order, finishing with impressive figures of 6/21 and limited them to a measly 50 runs.
5. Shardul Thakur:
Since the 2019 World Cup, Shardul Thakur has consistently been one of India’s top wicket-takers in ODIs. Additionally, he is poised to make his debut to improve India’s lower-order batting. India has been hunting for trustworthy options at the 8th and 9th places, and the team management is ready to present Shardul with an opportunity to exhibit his all-round ability. Furthermore, Shardul’s talent for breaking partnerships will prove invaluable for Team India in important competitions.
6. Suryakumar Yadav:
Suryakumar Yadav’s recent great performances in Mohali and Indore against Australia have truly increased our hopes. His T20I exhibition and power-hitting talents have been nothing short of exceptional, and although comparisons don’t do credit to his particular style, a few decent innings have surely reinforced his standing as a formidable white-ball player. As he trains up for his debut in the ODI World Cup, there’s a great potential he can get his maiden opportunity smack in the thick of the tournament.
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