WC: A bn dreams rest on these 15

India has officially unveiled its final 15-man squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup, a highly anticipated event set to run from October 5 to November 19.

Cricket enthusiasts have their eyes fixed on the Men In Blue, hoping for a repeat of their 2011 and 1983 World Cup triumphs.

Notably, the selectors have left out Prasidh Krishna, Tilak Varma, and Sanju Samson from the team that is part of the on-going Asia Cup. Fans, especially those of Samson, believe he has been unfairly treated.

However, it’s essential to recognize that Samson himself has failed to capitalise on the opportunities given to him, often struggling to perform when the team needs it the most or getting overshadowed by his teammates.

These three players, along with R Ashwin, will serve as reserves, with Ashwin covering for the trio of spinners - Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav.

It’s worth noting that the two-time ODI world champions can make changes to the squad until September 27. The emergence of Ishan Kishan as a dynamic number-five batsman raises questions about the role of KL Rahul, who has been used similarly in the lineup.

Rahul has an impressive track record at number five, but his absence from international cricket is a concern. A point of contention is the selection of Suryakumar Yadav by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.

Yadav doesn’t contribute with the ball in ODIs, and his batting stats are not exceptional. In contrast, Tilak Varma, who could offer some overs with the ball, was in good form.

This decision appears to prioritise reputation over current form. Ishan Kishan has established himself as a reliable batter, delivering impactful performances.

He has transformed into a stylish stroke-maker, focusing on quality rather than quantity of runs. Shardul Thakur is a versatile player, but he doesn’t excel as a specialist batter or bowler.

While he may not be extraordinary in either department, his ability to chip in with both bat and ball can provide valuable balance to the team. But again, he’s a ‘bits and pieces’ player.

India’s World Cup squad features three left-arm spinners: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. A matter of concern for Rohit Sharma, the captain, is that none of them in the team can provide part-time bowling options. The 2011 World Cup squad had a surplus of batsmen who could contribute with spin, giving the impression that India favoured spin-heavy lineups.

Ashwin and Sundar were excluded from the squad, but Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion is aimed at countering left-handed batters and adding depth to the team.

Kuldeep has experienced a resurgence in the past year, establishing himself as a key player in the Indian squad with impressive stats. So far this year, the left-arm wrist spinner has taken 23 wickets from 13 ODIs – the highest by an Indian bowler.

How did he bring about this transformation? Determination, persistence, and not giving up.

However, there are concerns about the team’s depth in both batting and bowling. In tournaments like the Asia Cup, the contributions of lower-order batters (8, 9, and 10) in scoring crucial runs can be decisive.

These players need to be capable of delivering those vital 10-20 runs that could be the difference between winning and losing. With discussions and debates behind us, it’s now time for the Indian team to perform under pressure in crucial matches.

There will always be players who miss out on selection, and the chosen 15 now have the responsibility of representing the nation on the world stage. The World Cup is the ultimate test of a cricketer’s skill, temperament, and mental strength.

It’s a platform where heroes are made, and legacies are etched in the annals of cricketing history. The Men In Blue carry the hopes and aspirations of a billion fans.

The roar of the crowd, the pressure of expectations, and the intense competition from other cricketing giants will all come into play. It’s a grueling journey that requires physical fitness, tactical acumen, and the ability to stay cool under pressure.

Every run scored, every wicket taken, and every catch held will be scrutinised by fans and analysts alike. The outcome of a match can change in a single over, and the hero of one game may become the villain in another.

What matters most is the effort, dedication, and the pride of representing one’s country.

As the Indian team steps onto the field in the ODI World Cup, they carry with them the dreams of a nation. It’s time for them to shine on the global stage and bring glory to India once again.