IND vs WI: India Needs To Identify Core Players For 2023 World Cup - Zaheer Khan

Former Indian pace bowler Zaheer Khan has said that India should approach the ODI matches as a build-up for the 2023 ODI World Cup. India will play West Indies in a three-match ODI series sans senior players with the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rested for the series. 

India is scheduled to play Zimbabwe and South Africa in ODI fixtures ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. The focus will remain on strengthening the squad for the mega event but India, who will be hosting the next 50-over World Cup, should also think about building a strong team for the quadrennial event. 

You need to identify the personnel: Zaheer Khan

Zaheer Khan, who was the joint-highest wicket-taker in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, said the teams should consider the upcoming ODI matches to identify the best pool of talented players in the longer white-ball format. 

“It is a balanced approach because you do have the 50-over World Cup coming in 2023. From that point of view, you need to be in touch with the game, you need to identify the personnel, you need to have the process defined even though it is about a year and a half away,” Zaheer said on Cricbuzz. 

The more you play, the better your understanding: Zaheer Khan on T20 World Cup

India will play five T20I matches against West Indies just after the conclusion of the ODI leg at the end of this month before the Asia Cup 2022.  The Rohit Sharma-led side will later host Australia in a three-match T20I series in September. 

“When it comes to T20s, the more you play, the better understanding of each and everyone’s role you are going to have a better understanding of the team selection you get,” Zaheer said. 

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan will lead the team in the three ODIs against West Indies, starting on Friday at the Queen’s Park Oval. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was named Dhawan’s deputy for the ODI leg but reports have suggested that his participation is doubtful.

Also Read: India vice-Captain Ravindra Jadeja Doubtful For ODI Series Against West Indies – Reports