No Ravindra Jadeja; Toss up Between Jaydev Unadkat, Khaleel Ahmed for World Cup Squad, writes Deep Dasgupta

The former India gloveman, Deep Dasgupta has listed out on the possible names, apart from the sure starters; who would feature on India’s 15-man list for the 2019 World Cup. The cricketer-turned-commentator has left out Ravindra Jadeja, whereas, he opined there would a toss-up between Khaleel Ahmed and Jaydev Unadkat for a left-arm pacer’s slot in the team. Furthermore, Deep thinks the squad for the New Zealand ODIs fits best for the mega event; and changes would only be made if there’s a miracle or a case of injury.

India squad for NZ ODIs has to be the one

As the India National Cricket Team thrashed New Zealand in the five-match series (4-1), Dasgupta doesn’t feel there is a need to alter with players. Writing exclusively for Cricket Country, he wrote the 15 players who would get chosen for the forthcoming Australia ODIs; when Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah return, will be the ones who will head to England for the showpiece event.

“I feel that India’s squad for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup is all but fixed after the 4-1 series win against New Zealand. Unless there is a miracle or some serious injury concerns, the original squad members for the New Zealand series are the ones who will collect their boarding passes for the Heathrow-bound flight in May.

Once Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah come back for the home ODIs against Australia, the 15 that will be chosen for the first three games will be the ones. Bad luck for the few good ones who miss out.

Deep then explained why Ravindra Jadeja, a senior campaigner could miss the flight to the UK. As the presence of Hardik Pandya and Kedar Jadhav is bagging enough accolades for India, they would not require the services of another spin-bowling all-rounder.

“Such as Shubman Gill, the next big hope of Indian cricket, who will certainly play a lot of World Cups but unfortunately maybe not this one. And also Ravindra Jadeja, who I believe will miss out on selection. With Hardik Pandya back as the seam-bowling allrounder, that slot is taken. That would also mean both the wrist-spinners then can play and Kedar Jadhav can fill in as the third spinner.”

Jaydev, Khaleel to fight for a spot – Deep

Khaleel Ahmed had been around with the team since Asia Cup last year. He, getting an extensive run in the limited-overs didn’t serve a purpose for the team, as he was not among wickets. Even on New Zealand tour, Khaleel played just one match, remaining wicketless in that as well. On the other hand, Jaydev Unadkat has been on a rampage of late. In the recently concluded Ranji Trophy 2018-19, Unadkat picked 39 wickets in eight matches. In Deep’s words, his wonderful could come handy for India in the UK.

Not only this, Deep Dasgupta has opted to go for Rishabh Pant. He mentioned Pant batting up the order could be signs of him playing as the third opener. With KL Rahul struggling to hit form and Ajinkya Rahane’s name remaining uncertain to touch upon; Rishabh could well get roped in for the World Cup.

By concluding, Deep Dasgupta wrote Vijay Shankar has impressed one and all with his technique and he could also be in line for a call-up to the squad.

Deep Dasgupta’s 15-man World Cup squad for India –

Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (capt), Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Dinesh Karthik/Rishabh Pant, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vijay Shankar, Khaleel Ahmed/Jaydev Unadkat.