KL, Ishan find place in India's 15-man World Cup squad; Prasidh, Sanju miss it

New Delhi, NT Bureau: KL Rahul, whose fitness is under the scanner, was on Tuesday named in India's 15-member World Cup squad.

Rahul has been out of action for months due to a hamstring injury. He is part of the ongoing Asia Cup but is yet to feature in a match. His comeback was delayed due to a niggle he suffered ahead of Asia Cup.

Kerala batter Sanju Samson and Pacer Prasidh Krishna who are part of the Asia Cup squad, could not make the cut.

Entering the ODI World Cup as hosts, India will strive to repeat the magical performance of the 2011 edition when the side lifted the trophy under charismatic Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The selectors, led by Ajit Agarakar, announced the squad on expected lines. There were no surprise as a largely balanced squad has been picked. PTI takes a look at the 15- man squad:

Rohit Sharma 

Twelve years back, Rohit Sharma was at the lowest ebb of his career after missing out on a World Cup berth and three editions later, he would be the 'Master of India's fate'.

A true blue white ball legend with nearly 10000 runs, this will possibly be his last ODI global event. His form has been a bit up and down but if he gets a good start, then the dressing room becomes a happy place.

He has six World Cup hundreds and wouldn't mind adding a few more but he can trade all that for the Gold plated trophy. That would be his lasting legacy in Indian cricket pantheons.

Virat Kohli

Just after the 2011 World Cup triumph, a young Kohli in a tribute to Sachin Tendulkar had spoken how the maestro carried the team for 21 years and it was their duty to carry him on their shoulders after triumph.

At nearly 35 and a decade at the top, 'King Kohli' wouldn't mind a second ICC trophy, an achievement that eluded him as captain. He has 46 hundreds and four more would get him past his idol Tendulkar.

After a lean patch of three years, Kohli is getting back to his best and hope he saves his best for the big games -- the semis and final where he hasn't actually performed at major events.

Shubman Gill

Expectations will be high from the 23-year-old who has had an exceptional last 12 months across formats.

He will need to fill the big shoes Shikhar Dhawan, who has arguably been India's stand out batter in ICC events over the past decade.

Gill has the makings of becoming a great of the game and consistent performances on the biggest stage will put him on that path.

Hardik Pandya

The Baroda Bomber in this 'Class of 2023' is what Mohinder Amarnath was for Kapil's Devils in 1983 and Yuvraj Singh for Dhoni's Dynamos in 2011.

He is like a link-man, who would be the bridge between top and lower middle order with his batting in middle overs. He will be the bowler, who would be a cover for a player who might have an off day.

If Pakistan match is any indication, Pandya is getting there. He can manoeuvre the strike and has explosive strength to clear the ropes at the death.

Ishan Kishan

There was little doubt over his selection in the final 15 but his 82 against Pakistan under extreme pressure has made the team management's task to choose between him and K L Rahul much tougher.

In the limited opportunities he has got, Kishan has delivered both at the top of the order and in the middle order.

The batting line-up is full of righthanders and Kishan's inclusion in the playing eleven will bring about a welcome change.

Suryakumar Yadav

SKY, as he is fondly called by his teammates, made an immediate impression in international cricket with his brute power, innovative shots and 360 degree strokeplay.

His international debut came as late as 2021 at the age of 30 and has amassed 1841 runs in T20 cricket at a healthy average of 46.02. But it is his form in ODI cricket which is a matter of concern.

He has not been able to carry his T20 dominance to the 50-over game.

KL Rahul

Focus will firmly be on Rahul given his lack of game time. Spending months away from competitive cricket he maybe a little rusty. The fact that he has not performed consistently in the opportunities he has had, the team management would be tempted to give in-form Ishan Kishan a go.

However, Rahul's technique and application have impressed even the staunchest of critics. Additionally he has brilliant record at No 5.

Ravindra Jadeja

The man for all seasons, Jadeja manages to contribute whether it is through his accurate and economical bowling, his batting or his spectacular fielding.

His fighting part