Former Indian cricket team opener Wasim Jaffer had a surprising addition as he picked the squad for ICC World Cup 2023. Jaffer took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to reveal his picks for India's World Cup squad and in a surprising move, he decided to not include Suryakumar Yadav. Instead, youngster Tilak Varma found a spot following a brilliant show in West Indies. He also went with Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul as the wicket-keeping options while Sanju Samson did not find a place in the squad.
Instead of going for Sanju Samson or Suryakumar Yadav, Jaffer stuck with KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer who recently returned from their respective injuries.
Surprisingly, Tilak Varma who is yet to make his ODI debut has also found his place in the squad ahead of Surya and Samson.
Ishan Kishan who performed exceptionally against Pakistan in India's Asia Cup campaign opener with his knock of 82 has retained his place.
While, in the bowling department, Jaffer stuck with Kuldeep Yadav, leaving out Yuzvendra Chahal from the mix.
The World Cup commences on Thursday, October 5 when 2019 finalists England and New Zealand clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with the event culminating in the final at the same venue on Sunday, November 19.
The enthralling clash between India and Pakistan which was originally slated to take place in Ahmedabad on Sunday, October 15, but this clash has been moved a day earlier and will now be held at the same venue on Saturday, October 14.
Wasim Jaffer's picks for India's ICC World Cup 2023 squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.
(With ANI inputs)