India is expected to reveal their preliminary lineup for the Cricket World Cup, hosted on their home turf, come September 3rd. This announcement will follow the high-profile Asia Cup 2023 clash with Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is anticipated to unveil the squad for the ODI World Cup 2023 on this date, according to reliable sources.
This unveiling is poised to take place just two days before the stipulated deadline for announcing provisional squads, and it follows the noteworthy India-Pakistan Asia Cup match in Kandy. The selection of the final 15 players for the 50-over cricket spectacle will take place right before the deadline for provisional squads, with adjustments still permissible until September 28th.
This deadline falls a week prior to the commencement of the World Cup in Ahmedabad. It’s worth noting that post the Asia Cup, India is scheduled to engage in a 3-match ODI series against Australia from September 21 to 27. Considering uncertainties surrounding the fitness of key players, particularly KL Rahul, the provisional squad is likely to include standby players.
In anticipation of such uncertainties, India previously announced a 17-member extended squad for the Asia Cup 2023. Additionally, Sanju Samson was named as a travelling reserve for KL Rahul, who suffered a recent minor injury according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
India to host the ICC ODI World Cup 2023
Despite ongoing speculation, both Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul found a place in the Asia Cup squad, despite their lengthy injury layoffs. Agarkar confirmed Iyer’s fitness but revealed that Rahul had encountered a fresh minor injury unrelated to his previous thigh issue. Agarkar indicated that Rahul’s availability for India’s opening Asia Cup match against Pakistan was doubtful.
Notably, before the cutoff date for announcing provisional World Cup squads, India played 2 Asia Cup group-stage matches. The Asia Cup selection also included 20-year-old Tilak Varma, who impressed on his T20I debut in the West Indies. While he may not feature in the match against Pakistan, the young player was given a spot in the squad.
Despite a lean period in ODIs, Suryakumar Yadav retained his position in the squad, and Prasidh Krishna and Jasprit Bumrah were brought back after successful returns from injuries during the Ireland tour in August.
India’s players have been actively engaged in fitness and skill training at a preparatory camp near Bengaluru in Alur. KL Rahul was spotted at the batting nets, and Ishan Kishan, an impressive wicketkeeper-batsman, focused on his keeping skills with fielding coach T Dilip.
Given the limited competitive matches available, the selection for the provisional ODI squad remains a subject of interest, with players having limited opportunities to stake their claims.
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