ODI World Cup 2023 squad will be around the one picked for Asia Cup: Ajit Agarkar

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. The chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar shed light on the selection process and the team's strategy for the multi-team event, adding that the squad for the ODI World Cup will be around the one named for Asia Cup. The World Cup will be played in India, starting from October 5, with the teams having time until September 5 to name the initial squad before finalising it latest by September 28.

Meanwhile, Agarkar revealed that KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have secured spots, having successfully recovered from their respective thigh and back injuries. This comeback marks a turning point for both players, who last participated in March and May, respectively.

Agarkar's transparency was evident when he noted that while Shreyas Iyer is deemed "completely fit," KL Rahul is nursing a "niggle." As a precaution, Sanju Samson has been designated as a reserve player in the squad.

When questioned about the forthcoming 50-over World Cup squad, Agarkar firmly stated, "No brainer. We picked 18, World Cup squad will be around this also." 

One of the discussed omissons from the squad was that of veteran Shikhar Dhawan, given the Asia Cup is being played in the 50-over format. While acknowledging Dhawan's contributions, Agarkar emphasized the presence of three proficient openers already in the squad. 

"At the moment, we have three openers. Yes, Shikhar has been a terrific player but at the moment we have three guys who are doing really well," he explained.

The squad includes newcomers as well as left-hander Tilak Varma, who is yet to debut in the format. The Indian team also includes seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna, who have made successful comebacks following back surgeries. Mohammed Shami returns to action after a restful break post the West Indies tour while the pace attack is completed by Mohammed Siraj and all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur.

Leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal's exclusion in favor of Kuldeep Yadav has sparked conversations. Yadav will take the wrist-spinner role alongside spin all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. In the wicketkeeping department, Ishan Kishan secured his position as the second keeper in the squad, complementing KL Rahul. Sanju Samson will accompany the team to Sri Lanka as a reserve player.