Team India’s recent resounding victory against Australia in Indore has not only showcased their prowess on the field but has also posed a selection conundrum for the team management just days before the start of India’s World Cup campaign.
The top-order and bowling line-up seem relatively settled, but the selection headache primarily revolves around the middle-order, with four players vying for two crucial spots at No. 4 and 5. Shreyas Iyer’s ongoing battle with a back injury raised concerns about his World Cup inclusion, but he quashed doubts with a stunning century in the 2nd ODI against Australia. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.
In the same game, Suryakumar Yadav, who had struggled to replicate his T20 batting prowess in the 50-over format, appeared to find his groove, scoring his second consecutive fifty and a career-best total. Adding to the mix is Ishan Kishan, a left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, whose name has been in discussions since his impressive 82 in the rain-affected Asia Cup match against Pakistan. KL Rahul, in sublime form, further complicates the middle-order puzzle with his consistent performances.
Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh weighed in on the selection dilemma, emphasizing Suryakumar Yadav’s importance in the World Cup squad. Harbhajan stated that Suryakumar should be an automatic choice in the playing XI, calling him an “ace of spades” and asserting that his name should be the first on the team sheet.
“Suryakumar Yadav has to play all the matches. I don’t care whom he replaces, but his name should be taken first and then the rest. You have a player who is a pure match winner and can single-handedly make the game one-sided. He is the ace of spades. We have been talking about a finisher… he is the one. He has to play at No. 5 for India,” Harbhajan remarked.
As India’s regular skipper Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma return for the final ODI against Australia, the batting lineup for the Rajkot match will be closely watched, as the team management grapples with the challenge of balancing experience and emerging talent in the middle order. Get free cricket betting tips from Nextbet Sports.
