'They haven't been playing spinners quite well' - Salman Butt analyses India’s squad ahead of ODI World Cup

In the recently concluded ODI series against West Indies, India registered a comfortable 2-1 victory, after defeating the home team by 200 runs in the third and final match. However, India’s batting looked a bit shaky in the first and second matches and that remains a concern. Analyzing their game, former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt stated that the Men in Blue are struggling to play against spin these days, which was not the case previously.

He also added that the team is making too many changes in the playing XI and in the squad and that is not a good sign as the ODI World Cup is just two months away. He reminded that no one is new to the team and thus, should perform better in the 50-overs format.

“In recent history, they haven't been playing spinners quite well. They're traditionally solid against spinners, but you don't see that control now. It needs to be addressed. Secondly, there are too many changes on every tour. It's about time, before the World Cup, that you know your 15, and every player knows his role. And the team plays like that,” Butt said on his official YouTube channel.

“If you want to give someone rest, and try different combinations, send an A team itself. Let all players rest. If your half of first XI players are there and half are not, you can't say that it's your main team. Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill.. no one is new. They have double centuries in ODIs, centuries in IPL,” he added.

Butt backs Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan to make ODI return

The 38-year-old believes that India need some experience in the middle and hence wants the selectors to reconsider Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan for the World Cup. Lauding Dhawan, the former cricketer mentioned that he is better than any other opener in the team at the moment and thus, should make his return to the team.

“The way Rahane played in IPL and the way he came back in Tests, he is a possible option. And they will need Shikhar Dhawan. I don't see any of the top-order batters, among right-handers, who can open as good as him. Either Shikhar and Shubman (Gill) can open and Rohit comes one down, or Rohit can open with Shikhar. They need experience in World Cup. They also need a guy in at no.5/6, either it's Rahul or Rahane. When there's pressure, the youngsters stutter. You need experience, the pressure gets to you,” said Butt.