New Delhi: Later this year, Team India will begin its campaign for a third World Cup victory at home under the direction of Rohit Sharma. A few untested Indian batters who have a remote chance of entering India's World Cup squad this year have been mentioned by former India head coach Shastri, who is closely watching the meteoric ascent of the Indian teenagers in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Shastri took a trip down memory lane and explained how the 2020-21 Australia series paved the way for youngsters Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur to make a name for themselves in the international arena."You have a lot of injuries these days. I always like a pool of 15-20. You should always be prepared, you should have a plan B, plan C. For example, when we went to Australia for that famous series in 2021, we took about 30 players. On the flight, there was Shardul Thakur and I think there was Washi [Washington Sundar], who were chatting with me. And I said, ‘This is not a holiday. Do not think this is a holiday where you are a net bowler. You can play any time. So start preparing from day one.’ And, lo and behold, here comes the last Test with no one else to pick. These guys play and do a wonderful job," Shastri said.
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The former India all-rounder also expressed his reservations about Rohit and Shubman Gill being the decided opening pair for the Asian giants at the World Cup 2023. “No, that is going to be a challenge. You will have to see closer to the event. Form again becomes important,” Shastri said when asked whether Gill and Rohit are confirmed as India's openers for the World Cup.
The former India head coach and renowned commentator expressed his opinion on Sanju Samson's peculiar situation, stating that the wicketkeeper-batter has yet to reach his full potential on the international stage.
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"Similarly here, there are so many youngsters. There is Jaiswal and, I might miss out on a few here, Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadhera. There is [Sai] Sudarshan, who played so well in the [IPL] final. There is Jitesh Sharma. There is Sanju [Samson], who I believe is yet to realise his potential. He is a match-winner. There is something that is missing. I will be disappointed if he does not finish his career all guns blazing. It is like when I was the coach, I would have been disappointed if Rohit Sharma had not played in my side as a regular Test player. Hence, his opening the batting. I feel similar with Sanju," Shastri added.
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