The build to the upcoming cricket world cup has allready started with less than three months left for cricket’s biggest extravaganza to begin in England and Wales. All the ten participating teams have allready started finalizing their 15-man squad for the event.
India led by Virat Kohli is currently plying its trade in the ODI series against Australia which will be their last bilateral series before the world cup. There are many questions for the team management to answer about the playing XI of the men in blue, especially the batting order. Hardik Pandya’s injury has been another concern for the team management which may open doors for Vijay Shankar in the world cup squad.
Many former cricketers have also given their expert comment and predicted India’s 15-man squad for the marquee event. This time former cricketer Sourav Ganguly announced his team for the show piece event.
No Rishabh Pant in Ganguly’s team
The former India captain backed out of form Shikhar Dhawan to partner Rohit Sharma in the world cup. KL Rahul will be the third opener in his team.
“The opening combination should not be tweaked. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are the ideal pair to give India a fast start. But K L Rahul is also there,” he said.
“Shikhar and Rohit should open. Other than the two, Rahul is another batsman who can open.”
Ganguly opted for Virat Kohli to continue batting at the all important number three slot followed by Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav in the middle order.
Vijay Shankar has impressed in the limited chances he got and his resurgence after Nidahas trophy final low has been a dream run for the Tamil Nadu lad. He can play as a specialist batsman and can also contribute with the ball for the team and Ganguly feels that the 29-years-old should be in India’s plan for the world cup.
“Ravindra Jadeja should not be in the World Cup team. Vijay Shankar bowled beautifully in the Nagpur match. I think Vijay deserves his World Cup spot,” he said.
The “prince of Kolkata” feels that Umesh Yadav should be the fourth pacer in the team.
Sourav Ganguly’s predicted 15-man India squad
Rohit sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Ambati Rayudu, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav
