Mmm…!!! Here comes the squad of Anil Kumble for the upcoming edition of ICC World Cup. The ex-head coach has got the great idea of the current setup, as a lot of cricketers have got a good connection with him. Just like any other individual, Anil Kumble also got interesting inclusions and exclusions in India’s 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup 2019.
Anil Kumble picked his playing XI first and then explained the reasons for picking his remaining 4 players in the side. He relied his trust heavily on the youngsters of the team, whom he feels as the match-winners on their day.
Rohit Sharma And Shikhar Dhawan To Open:
The former Indian captain went with the regular opening batsman Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. Though they both looked rusty in the recent last few games against Kiwis and Australia, they both broke the shackles in the 4th ODI game at Mohali.
Virat Kohli at number 3:
Anil Kumble feels that the Indian skipper Virat Kohli got the great skills to bat any number for India in the batting lineup. However, he named him at the number 3 position in his playing XI.
MS Dhoni at number 4, Kedar Jadhav at 5:
Further, he asked the experienced campaigner Mahendra Singh Dhoni to take the much-debated number 4 slot. He believes that Dhoni can deliver for India. Interestingly, he asked Kedar Jadhav to bat at number 5 for the team.
Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar to follow:
In all-rounder category, he went with Hardik Pandya, who has been pretty good for the team. He will also do the fourth seamer duty for the team. Meanwhile, Bhuvneshwar Kumar also gets the nod to deliver in the world cup.
Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal to see spin quota:
The wrist spinners have made a massive impact on India in the recent past. They will be the key for India’s chances in the upcoming edition of the tournament. The duo also got a decent record in England.
Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah finishes the Playing XI:
And finally, he went with the fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. Both are in a terrific form the team across the formats. The performance of the duo is going to be a massive aspect for the team.
Reserves – Khaleel Ahmed, Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant & Vijay Shankar
Here come the interesting lines from Anil Kumble. Firstly, he went with Ambati Rayudu. He feels that it would be better to go with him, who was expected to be India’s number 4 in the recent past. Kumble believes that India can afford a slot to him in the major event.
And then, coming to the fourth fast bowler, he highlighted quite a few names before finalising Umesh Yadav and Khaleel Ahmed. In between both, he went with Khaleel Ahmed, as Kumble feels the youngster can bring the variety to the team.
Lastly, he chose Rishabh Pant over Dinesh Karthik, as he felt that Pant can be the X-factor, who can turn the game on his day. As far as Vijay Shankar is concerned, Kumble quoted that the recent performances of the youngster would press his case for the final squad.