Ravi Shastri's message to the players who missed out on World Cup spot

India’s World Cup squad has led to some arguments among the fans and the cricket experts. The biggest talking point is Ambati Rayudu‘s exclusion who missed out to Vijay Shankar for the number four spot in the line-up and a lot is being said about the same. But the head coach of the team, Ravi Shastri, feels that the players who missed out on a place in the team shouldn’t lose heart as only 15 could be picked among 1.2 billion people.

Even Rishabh Pant had to be left out with the selectors preferring Dinesh Karthik’s experience while picking the backup for MS Dhoni. Speaking at an event on Wednesday went on to say that the team selection for this World Cup was particularly the toughest. He also felt that the ICC should’ve allowed the teams to pick 16 players in their squads as it is a long tournament this time with nine matches to be played in the league stage.

Cricket is a funny game

When asked about the missing out of a few players likes Pant and Rayudu, Ravi Shastri believed that these cricketers shouldn’t lose heart and they can get an opportunity any time during the tournament. He added that in a sport like cricket, injuries are bound to happen and there is every chance of one being called up at any stage.

“Keep at it. India is a big country and from 1.2 billion people only 15 players can be selected. I would have preferred 16, but even then, someone or the other would have missed out. When you have a pool of 18 or 19 players, who can make the team, there is bound to be some people who will miss out and it is unfortunate but they should not lose heart.

“Cricket is a funny game, there could be injuries to players so you never know when you could be called up,” he said while speaking to Gulf News. However, when asked about the selection of the team, Shastri cleared that those questions should be asked to India’s chief selector MSK Prasad and not him.

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