World Cup: Sehwag names his squad, excludes one key player
With the ICC World Cup 2019 set to start from May 30 onwards, the excitement among fans is increasing with each passing day. It is expected that the BCCI would announce the squad on April 15. In the same light, pundits and cricket analysts have been sharing their viewpoints on India's ideal squad. And now Virender Sehwag has picked his India squad. Here's more.
Here's Sehwag's 15-member squad!
Sehwag excludes Rayudu, backs KL Rahul
Ambati Rayudu has been left out by Sehwag. The senior cricketer's position in the batting line-up has been a major talking point. Rayudu's position is in doubt after his inconsistent performance with the bat in 2019. India cannot afford to have a weak middle order. All eyes will be on whom the selectors pick as India's number four when they announce the squad tomorrow.
Two spots besides Rayudu are still not settled
Sehwag has nailed most of the names expected to be announced by the selection panel. But there are two more spots besides Rayudu that are still not settled. One is the choice between Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik. Sehwag has preferred the aggressive Pant ahead of the experienced Karthik. Another one is about an extra bowler and Sehwag has gone ahead with Ravindra Jadeja.
Selectors will need to choose between Pant and DK
Pant hasn't quite delivered the goods in ODIs for India in the opportunities presented to him. On the other hand, DK has been putting in the work whenever called upon. The selectors will need to be wise here, as both DK and Pant are finishers and can come in at number five or six. The calls to give Pant an opportunity have become louder.
Will India select Jadeja over a specialist pacer?
In Sehwag's squad, we have three genuine fast bowlers and a bowling all-rounder in Hardik Pandya. With Vijay Shankar being more of a batsman, the question arises will four pacers be sufficient in England and Wales? The conditions support pace bowling and perhaps that could make the selectors go for an extra fast bowler. This is why Jaddu's position is doubtful.
How the number four position could shape up?
KL Rahul is likely to be preferred as the back-up top order batsman. If Rayudu misses out, then India will need an answer. MS Dhoni could be preferred as the number four. Even Anil Kumble backed the idea. Shankar could be the second choice. But then he lacks experience. If Dhoni gets the nod, then DK or Pant can come in at number five.
15 member squad presented by Sehwag
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Kedar Jadhav, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijay Shankar, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant.
