Indian Team Faces Setbacks Ahead of World Cup Opener
The Indian cricket team has emerged victorious in its first four matches leading up to the 2023 One-Day World Cup. However, just before their fifth match against New Zealand, the team encountered two unexpected setbacks.
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Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, and Pandya Sit Out
Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, two prominent players in the Indian squad, are currently nursing injuries and will be unavailable for the upcoming match. Meanwhile, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya had already withdrawn from the tournament due to injury before the New Zealand game.
Uncertainty Surrounds Playing XI Selection
With these injuries, India’s playing XI for the New Zealand match remains uncertain. Standby players, including Surya and Ishan, might also face challenges due to their recent injuries. No official confirmation has been provided yet, and the management faces a selection dilemma.
Rahul Dravid Provides an Update
Speaking at a press conference, Team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid emphasized Hardik Pandya’s significance in the squad for maintaining a well-balanced playing XI. He mentioned that the best possible XI would be chosen, considering the available players.
World Cup Squad and Schedule
Here’s a look at India’s World Cup squad and schedule:
World Cup Squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav.
World Cup Schedule:
- October 8: India vs. Australia, Chennai (India won by 6 wickets)
- October 11: India vs. Afghanistan, Delhi (India won by 8 wickets)
- October 14: India vs. Pakistan, Ahmedabad (India won by 7 wickets)
- October 19: India vs. Bangladesh, Pune (India won by 7 wickets)
- October 22: India vs. New Zealand, Dharmashala
- October 29: India vs. England, Lucknow
- November 2: India vs. Sri Lanka, Mumbai
- November 5: India vs. South Africa, Kolkata
- November 12: India vs. Netherlands, Bangalore
Despite these setbacks, Team India remains a strong contender in the World Cup, and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await their performance in the upcoming matches.