The upcoming 2023 World Cup presents a significant opportunity for the Indian team to secure another victory on home soil. Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, India triumphed in the World Cup in 2011, and now, 12 years later, they have the advantage of hosting the 50-over tournament once again. As one of the strongest contenders, India aims to seize the opportunity and clinch the World Cup on their home turf.
The upcoming 2023 World Cup presents a significant opportunity for the young players in the squad to showcase their skills. However, it could also mark the final ICC event for some senior players in the Indian team. With a few individuals contemplating retirement from ODIs, the tournament holds added significance as a potential farewell on the international stage.
1. Shikhar Dhawan
The 2023 World Cup represents Shikhar Dhawan’s final opportunity at the age of 37. However, the left-handed opener has already been displaced from the Indian team by Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan. Gill has firmly established himself as Rohit Sharma’s opening partner, while Kishan has secured the role of backup opener. Dhawan, who has been a stalwart of Indian cricket in ODIs with impressive statistics of 6793 runs in 167 matches at an average of 44, including 17 centuries, was omitted from the team earlier this year due to his underwhelming performances in 2022 and Gill’s emergence.
2. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin, a prominent figure in Test cricket, has had limited opportunities to showcase his skills in ODI cricket for India. His most recent appearance in an ODI match for the national team was in 2021 against South Africa. While there is a possibility of him being selected for the 50-over World Cup, his age and the abundance of younger Indian spinners may hinder his chances of securing a spot. Despite being 36 years old, Ashwin remains India’s preferred spinner in Test matches.
3. Rohit Sharma
At the age of 36, Rohit Sharma faces concerns regarding his fitness, and as he approaches 40, the likelihood of him participating in high-level cricket diminishes. Therefore, aiming to be a part of the 2027 World Cup seems improbable. Rohit Sharma has undoubtedly established himself as a legendary opener in ODI cricket, accumulating an impressive record of 7764 runs at an average of 56, including 28 centuries, three of which are double centuries. The upcoming 2023 World Cup represents his final chance to secure the prestigious ODI World Cup title and further enhance his remarkable career.
4. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami can count himself fortunate that Jasprit Bumrah’s injury led to his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. Although Shami’s performance was not as poor as some others on the team, it was not particularly noteworthy either. His agility is limited, and it is anticipated that his skills will decline further in the future. Consequently, it is advisable to shift our attention towards developing and nurturing young alternatives, looking beyond Shami.
