ICC World Cup 2019: At The Moment, It Is Tough To Pick The Indian Squad - Sunil Gavaskar

The fever of ICC World Cup 2019 has already started in India. Almost in every interview, the question of the upcoming grand event has become a certain one. In one of those interviews, the latest to make his voice on the prestigious event is Sunil Gavaskar. But, unlike others, Sunil Gavaskar hesitated to pick 15-member squad at the moment.

Recently, we came across Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman picking squads for India. However, Gavaskar wants to reveal his chart after the conclusion of the ongoing ODI series against Australia. They already played 1st ODI and still, 4 games are left to conclude the series.

It is about 2-3 players – Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar opined 12 players more or less pick themselves in the squad and the competition over the next 30-45 days is going to be for the remaining two or three spots. He believes that the selectors are looking for the players, who have got the ability to perform under pressure.

“Tough [to name the 15] at the moment. I would really like to see what happens in these five ODIs and the T20 matches in the IPL… see how players react to pressure situations and then make the call. It’s always the next two, three places where there is going to be a little bit of competition,” Gavaskar told India Today.

Is Fourth seamer required?

Further, Sunil Gavaskar highlights the selection of a fourth seamer. He feels that selectors might go with an extra-spinner if they feel Hardik Pandya can take the fourth bowler role for the Indian National Cricket Team. In that case, the selection panel might bring more flexibility.

“I think you have to look at the balance of the team all the time. That will be one of the prime considerations for the selection committee. Whether they need a fourth seamer or they’re going to say ‘look Hardik Pandya can do the job of the fourth seamer’. All those factors will probably be considered. It’s too early to say but, I think over the next month or so, these things will come through,” he added.

Flexibility is important:

Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar also stressed the fact regarding the flexibility of the team. It is a known fact that India will play an extra-spinner against overseas teams and play three fast bowlers against the Asian team. Speaking of the same, Gavaskar feels that selectors should look after a lot of concerns.

“And giving the captain and the team management the options and the flexibility to pick a side according to the opposition is key. With some sides, you might need to play an extra seamer, with some sides an extra spinner. These are the things that they should keep in mind before announcing the final 15,” he inferred.

Well, it would be interesting to see how things would turn out. Currently, India got a good pool of players in their ranks, which is making the selection procedure big trouble for the selectors. Though it is a happy situation to be in that stage, it takes a lot of toll on the selectors to go for it.