The Indian Premier League (IPL) holds significant sway over the selection process for the national cricket team across different formats. Recognized as the pinnacle of cricket in India, the IPL acts as a gateway for domestic players to interact with international counterparts and progress to represent their country.
In some instances, the IPL’s influence has even extended to shaping selections in other cricket formats.
The impact of IPL 2023, held earlier this year, is likely to be indelibly etched in the minds of selectors. As they gather to assemble a team for the forthcoming 2023 World Cup hosted in India, it is almost certain that they will take into account the performances showcased during this season of the IPL.
Regrettably, certain players, like Deepak Hooda, may have already seen their hopes of making the World Cup squad dashed due to underwhelming showings in IPL 2023, despite initially being considered contenders prior to the T20 league’s commencement. This scenario could extend to other aspects of the team composition as well.
Three Indian bowlers in particular saw their prospects of earning a spot in India’s 2023 World Cup squad diminish as a result of their performances in IPL 2023.
1. Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi Bishnoi, a leg-spinner, secured the second spot on the IPL 2023 Purple Cap list, claiming 16 wickets in 15 matches for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at an economy rate of 7.74.
While LSG reached the playoffs for the second consecutive season, Bishnoi’s contribution was marred by inconsistencies. Under the captaincy of KL Rahul and later Krunal Pandya, the 22-year-old struggled to maintain control over run flow and struggled to provide crucial breakthroughs during certain phases. His bowling lengths, in particular, lacked the precision required.
Although Bishnoi’s style might align more with the shortest format of the game, the selectors might have considered him as backup for Kuldeep Yadav in ODIs, especially given the unreliability of Yuzvendra Chahal and the fact that the World Cup is being held on home soil. To secure that opportunity, Bishnoi needed to deliver more convincing performances in IPL 2023.
2. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh, the leading seamer for the Punjab Kings (PBKS), secured 17 wickets in 14 matches during IPL 2023, earning him the 11th spot on the list of top wicket-takers.
Notable among his achievements was his remarkable performance against the Mumbai Indians (MI), where he shattered stumps with precision. Nonetheless, Arshdeep’s form wavered as the tournament progressed.
Despite a strong start, including a standout performance against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), his accuracy and execution suffered. With an economy rate of 9.69, he ranked second-highest among the top 35 wicket-takers.
Arshdeep’s inconsistency and inability to maintain his early-season form potentially hindered his chances of being considered for the World Cup. His limited exposure in the 50-over format and the emergence of other bowlers like Jaydev Unadkat in that realm may have contributed to this outcome.
3. Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar, a crucial asset to India’s ODI plans in 2022, faced challenges due to injuries that hampered his progress at the international level.
His struggles persisted during IPL 2023, where he managed only three wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 8.26. His bowling prowess was limited to a single game against the Delhi Capitals (DC), after which he faced further physical setbacks.
While Sundar’s batting contributions were modest, it was his subpar bowling form and fitness issues that likely led the selectors to exclude him from the World Cup picture.
As an alternative, Sundar found himself included in the Asian Games squad, marking a potentially pivotal juncture in his career if he is unable to secure a spot in the quadrennial ICC event.
In summary, the Indian Premier League’s influence on the national team’s selection process is evident, with IPL 2023 performances significantly impacting the prospects of certain players making India’s 2023 World Cup squad.
Players like Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, and Washington Sundar experienced varying degrees of setback due to their IPL performances, underscoring the competitive and dynamic nature of cricket selection in India.
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