'When there's pressure, the youngsters stutter' - Salman Butt wants India to go for experience over youth in World Cup 2023

India have been one of the most consistent teams in ICC tournaments in the past decade. However, they have been ousted in the knockouts on far too many occasions, with their last success at an ICC event being  the 2013 Champions Trophy under the leadership of MS Dhoni. The 'Men in Blue' have a great chance to end their drought in ICC events as they prepare to host the ODI World Cup in October-November.

In recent times, India have backed their youngsters with an eye on the future. In the same light, veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan went out of favour as the selectors backed young talents like Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill, who have made good use of their opportunities. Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt, however, feels that India should go for the experienced Dhawan in the impending ODI World Cup and he should open alongside Gill or captain Rohit Sharma.

"They will need Shikhar Dhawan on top. I don't see any of the top-order batters, among right-handers, who can open as good as him. Either Shikhar and Shubman (Gill) can open and Rohit (Sharma) comes one down, or Rohit can open with Shikhar," said Butt on his YouTube channel.

When there's pressure, the youngsters stutter: Salman Butt

Further elaborating on his opinion of backing senior players, the former Pakistan opener batted for the presence of KL Rahul or Ajinkya Rahane at No. 6. According to Butt, youngsters might stutter while dealing with the pressure of a World Cup but that won't be the case for seasoned campaigners.

"They will need experience in World Cup. They also need a guy in at number 6, either it's KL Rahul or (Ajinkya) Rahane. When there's pressure, the youngsters stutter. You need experience," said Butt.

Interestingly, Rahane played his last ODI game more than five years ago and has subsequently been designated as a specialist red-ball cricketer for India.