ICC World Cup 2023 is less than 12 months away. The mega event will take place in India in October and November later this year, and former champions India have already secured their place in the mega event as they are the hosts.
The Indian team has been quite dominant in ODIs on home soil of late. They whitewashed New Zealand and Sri Lanka in three-match series and beat Australia in the first ODI earlier tonight at the Wankhede Stadium. Although the 2023 World Cup is still months away, it looks like India have already decided their playing XI for the matches. Here’s a look at India’s predicted playing XI.
Openers for India in 2023 World Cup – Rohit Sharma (c) and Shubman Gill
Captain Rohit Sharma is likely to open the innings with Shubman Gill in the mega event. Both players have scored big for the Men in Blue in ODI matches played this year. Either Ishan Kishan or Shikhar Dhawan should be the backup opener.
Middle Order – Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul (wk)
The middle-order of the team looks pretty much settled as well. In-form batter Virat Kohli will play at number three, followed by Shreyas Iyer and wicket-keeper KL Rahul. Iyer is currently injured, but he should be fit in time for the World Cup.
All Rounders – Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja
India may take the field with two all-rounders, one paceman and one spinner. Hardik Pandya is likely to be the pace-bowling all-rounder. He will also be the deputy captain of the team, while Ravindra Jadeja should be the top-choice spin-bowling all-rounder.
Bowlers for India in 2023 World Cup – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav
Depending on the pitch and conditions, India can decide whether they want to go in with three specialist fast bowlers and one specialist spinner or two bowlers each from both categories.
If they go with combination number one, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami should take the spots along with Kuldeep Yadav. If they prefer the second combination, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar or Axar Patel can replace one of the pacers.
