India prepare a list of 22-24 bright prospects for the 2019 ICC World Cup

After a sensational series victory against the Sri Lankans in the longest format of the game, the Indians will lock horns with the Lions in a 5-match ODI series. The squad for the same was declared by the Indian selection panel on Sunday. The team saw quite a few surprises as some of the first team members were given a break after the hectic international schedule they have been going through.

This paved the way for some of the promising youngsters to make their way into the squad. It will be a golden opportunity for them to prove their mettle at the top level. Chief selector MSK Prasad addressed the media following the squad announcement. He made it clear that the reason behind resting some of the big guns is that the board wants to try out some of the future prospects and make them familiar with the circumstances before the 2019 ICC World Cup.

What Prasad said:

“Senior players will be rested to give youngsters a chance. (This) will give us a group for 2019 WC. Ashwin playing county cricket is a blessing in disguise. He was rested first but we didn’t know they were contacted for county. They were rested but they informed BCCI of intention to play county. So rest becomes player rotation.” said Prasad.

Prasad mentioned that the board has chalked out 22-24 players who will be given a chance to prove their worth. According to their performance, the committee plans to filter out the best players for the mega event in England in 2019.

“22-24 players identified as pool for 2019 WC. Will all be given a go in short term. List to be pruned from time to time.” added Prasad.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja has been rested for the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Among the senior cricketers, Mahendra Singh Dhoni made it to the squad successfully while Yuvraj Singh faced the axe. Suresh Raina was once again ignored by the panel. Promising youngster Manish Pandey earned him a berth so did Shardul Thakur.