'Do we have to win the championship or do we go on reputation?' - MSK Prasad backs Indian team management's World Cup squad selection

The Indian team has showcased exceptional form in the ODI World Cup 2023. Led by Rohit Sharma, the side is yet to lose a game in the prestigious tournament. As for their brilliant form, the majority of the credit could go to the spot-on lineups and rotations that the side has used so far.

Ace all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin was nowhere in contention to be picked in the World Cup squad; however, an injury to Axar Patel opened the doors for the veteran. The 37-year-old even featured for India in their first game against Australia. However, he is yet to feature once again, as India picked Shardul Thakur in his place for their last two games.

Speaking of the constant rotations, former India chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad, came forward to give the example of Ashwin and Mohammed Shami, who, despite being big stars for the team, are not guaranteed selections. Further, he also lauded the side for fielding brilliant lineups according to the conditions.

"What the team management is doing is absolutely right. If the wickets are conducive for spinners, then playing Ashwin is a good choice if it's a flat deck then someone like Shardul offers something with both and the ball becomes an option. As far as Shami is concerned, I think will only play when the team management feels they need to rest either Siraj or Bumrah. They are very well set with this kind of balance," MSK Prasad told the Hindustan Times. 

Ashwin will also agree with the team management's decision: Prasad

Furthermore, Prasad went on to state that if one were to ask Ashwin about the rotation decisions of the side, the all-rounder would agree and that everyone in the team has accepted the combination that is supposed to be played in the ODI World Cup 2023.

"If you ask Ashwin, he will also agree with the team management's decision. Do we have to win the championship or do we go on reputation? If we go by reputation then Siraj shouldn't be playing, Shami should. This team has great camaraderie,” Prasad said.

“Everybody has accepted this combination. As a fan, it pains me to see Shami sitting outside but if I'm thinking from the captain's perspective, the decisions he is taking are fantastic ones. They are not going on reputation. They want to win the tournament by fielding the best possible XI on that particular day against that particular opposition," he concluded.