New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is keen to have their premium leg-spinner Ish Sodhi in the coveted 2019 World Cup squad. Reports suggested that Williamson has intervened that Sodhi is will boost the Black Caps for the quadrennial event. The mega cricket tourney will commence from May 30. Thus, Williamson is in constant touch with New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
It’s pertinent to mention that NZC chief selector Gary Larsen and head coach Gary Stead had almost finalised their final 15-member squad for the ODI showpiece.
Kane Williamson backs Ish Sodhi for the 2019 World Cup:
The 26-year-old Ludhiana-born Sodhi had represented Kiwis in 30 One-day International since 2015. He has snared 39 wickets with the bowling average slightly higher over 35.8.
Sodhi has recently represented his domestic team Northern District in which he had bowled remarkably well. He managed to bag 28 wickets in five first-class games.
In all likelihood, NZC is expected to announce their much-awaited 2019 World Cup squad on Wednesday (April 3) in Christchurch.
Concurrently, the Black Caps are listed third on the Men’s ODI Team Rankings. They have 112 rating points.
Also, it’s understood that Todd Astle has been highlighted act as a supporting spinner for Mitchell Santner. But Williamson has expressed his views that Sodhi should be in line for the World Cup campaign.
On the other side, Astle has earned trust from their coaches who had recently participated against Bangladesh. Also, the leg-spinner is more compact with his batting trait.
It’s evident that Sodhi had enjoyed his stint with premiere County club Nottinghamshire. Kane added his experience will help Kiwis cause in the United Kingdom (UK).
2019 World Cup: Second-choice wicketkeeper to pose a challenge for the NZC
Interestingly, Wellington-based Tom Blundell is considered as the prominent wicket-keeper ahead of Tim Seifert. Although, Blundell has a modest record in the List A cricket.
Besides, his average is a huge concern for the Kiwis camp. However, coaches are happy with his domestic cricket.
Unfortunately, Seifert has nursed an injury during the Plunket Shield which has eventually somewhat dashed his World Cup hopes.
Furthermore, Colin Munro is among the top contenders for the spot. Recently, he has already missed ODI fixtures for the national team.
As of now, Williamson is partaking in the twelfth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is leading Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). During the early stage of the lucrative league, Williamson has missed out two games out of three they’ve had played so far.
NZ will open their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on June 1.