ICC World Cup 2023: Saba Karim Highlights The Biggest Challenge For Selectors Ahead Of The Mega Tournament

Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim shared his thoughts on the Rohit Sharma-led team’s selection for the upcoming edition of the ODI World Cup at home later this year. Saba Karim highlighted the challenges ahead of the selectors while picking the squad for the mega tournament.

Veteran opening batter Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian cricket team in the tournament, scheduled to be played between October 5 and November 18 this year. While most players are almost finalized for the event, the selectors will have to fill a few places in the 15-member squad.

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Have The Luxury Of Picking 16 Or 17 – Saba Karim

During a discussion on Jio Cinema, Saba Karim highlighted that the selectors have to make bold decisions to finalize the 15-member squad from the vast talent pool available.

“The biggest challenge for Indian selectors is to pick 15. We have the luxury of picking 16 or 17. Look at the one-day side for the West Indies tour, we’ve picked 17,” Kariim told Jio Cinema.

India have picked a 17-member squad for the three ODI series against the West Indies. The Rohit Sharma-led team will take on the Shai Hope-led team in their first ODI match at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on Thursday, July 27.

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The former chief selector pointed out that they have to identify the perfect playing XI in the 50-over format and pick the backups for crucial spots.

“So to pick 15, you have to get the right combination first. Pick XI first, and then look at the results. Also, possibly, you can’t have results for each and every spot in the side. So look at the crucial spots which need a reserve player in the 15,” he concluded.

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India’s ODI Squad For The Three-Match Series

Rohit Sharma (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (wk), Surya Kumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya (vc), Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar