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Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, has expressed his belief that the opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill should not be used in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023. As India prepares for the tournament, hoping to end their long wait for an ICC title, Shastri has identified a difference in the composition of the current Indian squad compared to previous successful teams.
Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, India last tasted success in the 50-over format in 2011. Shastri, who has closely observed and guided the team, believes that the opening combination of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will not be favored by the team management in the World Cup.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have been India’s preferred opening pair in ODIs in the absence of the injured KL Rahul. However, Shastri argues that this partnership is unlikely to receive approval for the World Cup due to the absence of a left-handed batsman. In an interview with The Week, Shastri emphasized the importance of a balanced lineup and the potential impact of a left-handed batsman in the top three or four positions.
Shastri pointed out the significance of left-handers in previous World Cup victories. In the 2011 World Cup triumph, the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina, all left-handers, played crucial roles. Shastri referred to historical examples, such as the successful teams of 1974, 1979, 1987, 1996, and the dominance of left-handers in Australia’s lineup. He emphasized the need to create a mix and balance in the team to achieve success.
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While Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have displayed their prowess with the bat on multiple occasions, Shastri's concerns lie in the need to create a well-rounded team composition that maximizes the chances of success in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. By incorporating a left-handed batsman into the top order, the team management can create additional challenges for the opposition bowlers and bring a different dimension to the team's batting lineup.
It remains to be seen how the team management will evaluate Shastri's viewpoint and whether they will consider making changes to the opening partnership for the upcoming World Cup. With the tournament drawing closer, the Indian cricket team will be aiming to end their long wait for an ICC title and create a legacy of their own.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the action-packed extravaganza, the team's composition will continue to be a subject of discussion and analysis. Ravi Shastri's insights serve as a reminder that strategic decision-making and the right balance of players can make all the difference in achieving glory on the world stage. The quest for the ideal opening partnership and the pursuit of a balanced lineup will undoubtedly be key factors in shaping India's campaign in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
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