When choosing between Shardul Thakur and Jaydev Unadkat for the additional fast bowler spot in the 15-person India team for the World Cup, which begins on October 5, the national selection committee will have its work cut out for it.
During the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the three-match home series against Australia (both in September), which serve as a prelude to the World Cup, Unadkat and Shardul will undoubtedly have their fair number of opportunities.
Even though Jasprit Bumrah has a lower back stress fracture and is just 80 percent healthy, he will play in the World Cup along with Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. Additionally, Hardik Pandya fills the position as the fourth fast bowler and is anticipated to bowl at least 6-8 deliveries.
The fact that Unadkat is a left-arm seamer in this setup gives him an advantage over Shardul, who is far superior in terms of performance and quality and has once again proven his mettle in the Caribbean with eight wickets in three ODIs.
Arshdeep Singh, a left-armer with superior skill sets, was moved to the Asian Games T20 squad; as a result, Unadkat is still highly important since he adds variation despite his slow pace.
BCCI Selection Panel Wants A Full-Fit KL Rahul In Asia Cup To Get Practice For World Cup
Before the Asia Cup, KL Rahul might have to play in a 50-over simulation. The Karnataka player will need to simulate a 50-over match before the continental championship because the Indian team management is keen to have him totally healthy for the next Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.
He has been out of action since May 2023 when he suffered a thigh injury during the IPL 2023 and had to undergo surgery to correct the same.
“The selectors and the team management wants to give both Rahul and Shreyas full chance of recovery. Rahul is certainly way ahead in terms of recovery and getting closer to full match fitness. But he needs to do match simulation where he is able to keep wickets for 50 overs.
The Instagram videos show that he is doing well but 50 overs of keeping and at least 30 overs of batting in the heat will prove how his operated thigh is holding up in humid conditions. If he is able to do well over next nine possible games (six if India play the Asia Cup final plus three against Australia), it will be the best news for the Indian team,” a BCCI source told PTI.
It is expected that India’s Asia Cup squad will be selected end of this week or by the middle of next week (latest by August 16-17).
Likely core group: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Surykumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (wk), Axar Patel, Sanju Samson, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Mukesh Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal