The 2023 World Cup is set to take place in India, spanning from October 5 to November 19. One of the significant developments in the lead-up to this event was India’s squad announcement on Tuesday, August 5th. Surprisingly, the squad consists of only 15 players, without any traveling reserves, which led to several deserving players missing out on their chances. Here are the top three unlucky players who found themselves on the sidelines:
1. Yuzvendra Chahal:
One glaring omission from the squad is Yuzvendra Chahal. The decision-makers within the team conducted a thorough evaluation of various options to include players in the lineup. Chahal’s absence from the ODI format since January 2023 and his recent dip in form were key factors in his exclusion. Additionally, Kuldeep Yadav has outperformed his spin twin in the 2023 season. Moreover, the mystery spinner has mostly been in plans for T20s.
2. Sanju Samson:
Another notable absentee is Sanju Samson, who failed to secure a spot in the 15-member squad. Samson was part of the Indian team during the West Indies series and even featured in two ODIs in the three-match series. However, with KL Rahul’s return and Ishan Kishan emerging as the leading contender for the wicket-keeper’s position, Samson lost his place in the squad. Notably, barring one or two innings in the recently concluded tours of the West Indies and Ireland, Samson has not really capitalised on his opportunities.
3. Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan, known for his knack for shining on cricket’s grandest stages, will not be gracing the 2023 ODI World Cup. This absence marks a departure from his presence in the 2015 and 2019 editions of the tournament. When India unveiled their squad for the Asia Cup, it became evident that the team’s emphasis now centres around Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Ishan Kishan, who have been identified as the trio of choice for the opening slots. Dhawan’s omission represents a significant shift in India’s approach to their top-order batting for this prestigious event.