2023 World Cup will happen in India. It will be the first 50-over World Cup to be hosted by India since 2011. The last time India hosted this event, they were co-hosts with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and the Men in Blue ended their 28-year wait for their second World Cup trophy.
India will take the field with the same aim in 2023 World Cup. It has been 12 years since India won a 50-over World Cup. One of the main reasons behind the team’s success in 2011 was that India had many bowling options. Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag and even Sachin Tendulkar bowled for the team when a main bowler had an off day.
Such flexibility is not available in the current Indian squad. In the recently concluded ODI match against New Zealand, it seemed like India lacked a sixth or seventh bowling option. Hardik Pandya will be back in the squad for the mega event in 2023, but India should groom one or two more players. Here are three players who can do the job:
1. India should groom Venkatesh Iyer for 2023 World Cup
Venkatesh Iyer made his ODI debut against South Africa earlier this year. He played two ODIs in that series and is yet to play another ODI after that. Iyer is a left-handed batter, who can bat anywhere in the batting order. He can open the innings if needed and can also play the role of a finisher.
Plus, he can bowl right-arm medium pace as well. Iyer should be in the plans of the selectors for the next World Cup.
2. Rishi Dhawan
Rishi Dhawan has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket. He can be a fantastic asset for the Indian team if used well in the 50-over format. It will be interesting to see if he receives chances to play for India.
