India's likely core group for ODI World Cup 2023 emerges

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee are likely to announce the squad for the forthcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup squad. As per latest reports, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, and Jaydev Unadkat among others are likely to make the cut in the setup for the crucial ODI events.

Notably, speedster Jasprit Bumrah, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, who are recuperating from their injuries, are to return for the mega ODI events. It is worth noting that the selection committee may back the same setup for both the Asia Cup and the World Cup instead of making too many changes for the mega ICC event.

Team India’s tentative squad for Asia Cup and ODI World Cup

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel, Sanju Samson, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Mukesh Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal

Furthermore, Rishabh Pant, who suffered a freak car accident in December 2022, is likely to be confined to the sidelines for both the ICC events, despite responding well to the recovery process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. 

In addition to this, veteran cricketer Shikhar Dhawan too is likely to be overlooked by the selectors. Despite his vast experience, Dhawan has been warming the bench for quite a while and also will miss out on the core setup for the ODI events as per reports. 

It is worth noting that all the teams must finalise their respective 15-member squads for the ODI World Cup prior to September 28. In addition to this, any replacements beyond the stipulated date will need official approval from the ICC.

Team India is currently in the midst of the multi-format ODI series against West Indies. Following the conclusion of the series against the Windies, the Men in Blue will turn their attention towards the Asia Cup 2023 as their first match is on September 2 against arch-rivals Pakistan. The Rohit Sharma-led side will kickstart their World Cup campaign against five-time winners Australia on October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.