We are spoilt for choices, will be difficult for selectors to get right team for 2023 World Cup: VVS Laxman

The stand-by coach of the Indian team, VVS Laxman is very impressed with India’s squad depth going into the 50-over World Cup next year. Even though the team did not manage to get the win against South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series, some of the players looked in great touch.

Although Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer have not cemented their position in the Indian ODI set-up as of now, they have shown immense maturity in the format. Laxman feels that the selectors will have a very tough time in picking India’s ODI squad for 2023 World Cup.

“We have a good bunch of cricketers, they are all looking forward to the series, the competition between them is good, we are spoiled for choices considering the amount of talent we have. It'll be difficult for the selectors to get the right team going into the 2023 50-over World Cup,” said the 47-year-old while talking to Star Sports, the host broadcaster of the India-South Africa series.

“All the youngsters are doing well, they know that they'll not get too many opportunities once the main players return, but this is a chance to perform well and keep themselves in the hunt when the strongest side is being picked,” Laxman added.

South Africa defeated India by 9 runs in Lucknow

Even after a collapse in the middle order, the South African batters held their nerves and put up a total of 249 in the 40 overs courtesy of Klassen’s 74* and Miller’s 75*.

South Africa were in the driving seat after the first innings, while India lost some key wickets up front during the chase. It was Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson who initiated the comeback and after Shreyas was dismissed, Shardul Thakur took charge and played a brilliant knock of 33 runs in 31 balls. However, in the end, Sanju Samson’s 86* went in vain as India fail to chase 30 runs in the final over.