ODI World Cup 2023
5 potential opening pairs for India in ODI World Cup 2023
The Indian squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup is announced. The chairman of Indian selectors, Ajit Agarkar, along with the Indian captain Rohit Sharma, announced the Indian squad for the big tournament in the press conference in Kandy this afternoon. The squad has some very good names with many obvious picks. Fans have mixed opinions about the Indian squad for the big tournament.
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While there are debates over the snubs and controversial selections, the Indian squad has a lot to talk about, with respect to the balance and team combinations. There are many multi-dimensional cricketers who can bat anywhere in the XI. That is the sign of a good squad. Without a doubt, the Indian squad is very good. Many players who are in the squad pick themselves up.
The opening combination of an ODI team is very important. Openers are the ones who give good starts to the batting innings and lay a good foundation. The Indian squad has at least 4 batters who can open the innings. KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Ishan Kishan can open the innings for India and have done so in the past. Here are the top 5 possible opening combinations for the Indian team –
5. Shubman Gill – KL Rahul
Shubman Gill and KL Rahul (Source: Twitter)
The combination of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul at the top is unlikely, but it is a possibility. Shubman Gill is most likely to start as an opener in the Playing XI. But if the team management feels to experiment with the XI and have Rohit Sharma as a middle-order batter, then there are chances that KL Rahul might open the innings. KL Rahul was an opener in the Indian team for some time, especially during the 2019 ODI World Cup, which might be looked at by the management.
4. Shubman Gill – Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill (Source: Twitter)
Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan might make a good batting pair together. Though the possibilities of it happening are not much currently, we never know what would happen. Kishan has batted very well as an opener recently. If the management wants an aggressive option at the top, or someone who can be a Southpaw, Kishan is the best bet. In such a case, Kishan might prove to be a good opening partner for the talented Shubman Gill.
3. Rohit Sharma – KL Rahul
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (Source: Twitter)
Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul played together for a brief period. In the 2019 ODI World Cup, it was the same pair which opened together for the team. Though KL Rahul has mostly been a middle-order batter in the recent past, there are chances of him being promoted up the order, if an inexperienced Gill fails to perform in the first few matches of the big tournament. If KL Rahul can keep wickets, it will be an added advantage for the team.
2. Rohit Sharma – Ishan Kishan
Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan (Source: Twitter)
Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan can form a dynamic batting pair. The Indian captain can take his time and then go behind the bowlers, as Kishan can provide the much-required aggressive start for the team. With his left-handed nature, Kishan brings uniqueness to the batting lineup. Kishan can be a versatile option with the bat, who can anchor the innings as well. Once set, Kishan can go bonkers and take the match away from the opposition in no time.
1. Rohit Sharma – Shubman Gill
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (Source: Twitter)
The combination of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top will be the most likely pair to open the innings for the Indian team in the ODI World Cup. In the last few months, it has been the regular opening pair of India. So far, the duo has been very good in providing good starts to the team. Hence, it is very likely that the two batters will open the innings for the Indian team for almost the whole ODI World Cup.