Mohammed Shami

Team India’s ODI World Cup 2023 Lineup and Rotations Earning Praise from former selector

19 October, 2023

Team India’s performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 has been nothing short of spectacular. Led by captain Rohit Sharma, the squad has yet to taste defeat in this prestigious tournament. A significant factor contributing to their exceptional form has been the astute selection of lineups and rotations.

One standout inclusion in the team has been veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin. Initially not part of the World Cup squad, an injury to Axar Patel opened the door for the 37-year-old cricketer. Ashwin featured in India’s first match against Australia but has not seen action since then, as Shardul Thakur was preferred in his place for the last two games. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet. 

Former India chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad, has commended the team’s rotation strategy, emphasizing the examples of Ashwin and Mohammed Shami, who, despite their significant roles, are not automatic selections. He also lauded the team’s ability to adapt their lineups according to the pitch conditions.

“What the team management is doing is absolutely right. If the wickets are conducive for spinners, then playing Ashwin is a good choice. If it’s a flat deck, someone like Shardul offers something with both bat and ball. The team management’s decisions are spot-on. Regarding Shami, I think he will only play when they need to rest either Siraj or Bumrah. This balance is working very well,” stated MSK Prasad in an interview with the Hindustan Times.

Prasad further emphasized that the players, including Ashwin, understand and support the rotation decisions made by the team management. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the best possible XI for each match rather than relying solely on reputation.

“If you ask Ashwin, he will also agree with the team management’s decision. Do we have to win the championship or do we go on reputation? If we go by reputation, then Siraj shouldn’t be playing, Shami should. This team has great camaraderie. Everybody has accepted this combination. As a fan, it pains me to see Shami sitting outside, but from the captain’s perspective, the decisions he is taking are fantastic ones. They are not going on reputation. They want to win the tournament by fielding the best possible XI on that particular day against that particular opposition,” Prasad concluded.

The Indian team’s pragmatic approach to lineup selections and rotations has played a crucial role in their success in the ODI World Cup 2023. Get free cricket betting tips only on Nextbet Sports.