World Cup Squads Can Be Changed Till May 23, Confirms Harsha Bhogle

India, on Monday, became the third team, after New Zealand and Australia, to name their squad for the upcoming World Cup in England.  The MSK Prasad-led selection panel did not spring too many surprises as most of the players in the squad were very much expected. However, there were one or two major talking points. The biggest talking point from the squad was the surprised omission of Rishabh Pant. The young wicketkeeper-batsman was looking set to catch the flight to England after being named in the squad for the series against Australia.

Read More: IPL 2019, Match 32: Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals – Stats Preview

Moreover, the selectors had dropped Dinesh Karthik from the squad, thus giving a big indication that Pant was ahead in the pecking order. However, the selection panel sprung a mighty surprise by recalling Karthik and dropping Rishabh Pant. The selectors also dropped Ambati Rayudu while including Vijay Shankar who made his debut just a few months ago during the ODI series in Australia.

Prasad has said that the World Cup squad is well balanced as he expressed his confidence over the team being able to do well in the competition.

“In the team, we have the luxury of 7 bowlers. We have covered all the bases and this is one of the most balanced Indian sides for the World Cup,” Prasad said.

But while the team is already announced, there is still a chance for India and other teams to alter it with the final date being May 23. Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle confirmed the news on Twitter, writing:

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: Bangladesh Announce 15-Man Squad

“Just remember that the teams being announced for the World Cup are provisional selections and can be changed till May 23rd without ICC permission.”

Just remember that the teams being announced for the World Cup are provisional selections and can be changed till May 23rd without ICC permission.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 15, 2019

India, meanwhile,  begin their World Cup campaign against South Africa in Southampton on June 5. India’s next match will be against defending champions Australia at Kennington Oval, London before they take on New Zealand in Nottingham 4 days later.

#TeamIndia for @ICC #CWC19 ??#MenInBlue ? pic.twitter.com/rsz44vHpge

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 15, 2019

The Men in Blue then play the high-profile clash against Pakistan on June 16 in Manchester before returning to Southampton to play Afghanistan on June 22. India will conclude the group stage by playing West Indies (June 27). Bangladesh (July 2) and Sri Lanka (July 6).

Here is India’s squad:

Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Vijay Shankar, MSD (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Shami