Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes that the Indian team needs to have a large pool of players to be prepared for the forthcoming ODI World Cup in India. Many Indian youngsters were groomed during Shastri’s stint as the head coach with KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah introducing them to the Indian setup during his period as India’s head coach.
As many believe the 2023 ODI World Cup is the best chance for India to end their ICC title drought, it has already dealt a big blow with injuries to the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer.
Speaking on The Week, Ravi Shastri feels that the Indian team management needs to have backup players for the main players ahead of the all-important ODI World Cup in India. Recalling the incident during his stint as the head coach he asked then-Indian fringe players like Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar to be match ready for the Border Gavaskar Trophy during the Covid time.
“You have a lot of injuries these days. I always like a pool of 15-20. You should always be prepared, you should have a plan B, plan C. For example, when we went to Australia for that famous series in 2021, we took about 30 players,” he added.
“On the flight, there was Shardul Thakur and I think there was Washi [Washington Sundar], who was chatting with me. And I said, ‘This is not a holiday. Do not think this is a holiday where you are a net bowler. You can play any time. So start preparing from day one.’ And, lo and behold, here comes the last Test with no one else to pick. These guys play and do a wonderful job,” Ravi Shastri said.
Under his tenure as the Indian head coach, the Indian team had many memorable wins including the Asia Cup 2018 and Nidahas Trophy and in the longer format of the game, India won back-t0-back Border Gavaskar series in Australia, which is considered one of the best wins of the decade by the Asian Giants.
Sanju Samson Is A Match-winner, There Is Something That Is Missing – Ravi Shastri
Cricketer-turned-commentator Ravi Shastri wants the talented Indian wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson to realize his potential going into the important white-ball season, as he is expected to be India’s glovemen in the Asia Cup 2023 followed by the all-important ODI World Cup later this year.
“There is Sanju [Samson], who I believe is yet to realize his potential. He is a match-winner. There is something that is missing. I will be disappointed if he does not finish his career all guns blazing,” Ravi Shastri added.
With Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul’s injuries, the Kerala batter is expected to play the role of the finisher in the team alongside Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja lower down the order to finish the game for the side in the crunch moments.