WIvsIND 1st ODI: Mukesh Kumar to make his debut, Kuldeep Yadav also gets the nod in playing XI
Xtra Time Web Desk: Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar has been handed debut cap in the ODI debut against West Indies to be played at the Kensington Oval on Thursday, July 27. Mukesh will be filling in for the injured Mohammed Siraj. India has opted for a lineup consisting of four seamers and two spinners, aiming to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the 50 overs World Cup in India.
The core of the ODI team remains intact, with Rohit Sharma leading the side. However, a few spots, such as wicketkeepers and the third spinner, are still up for grabs. The battle for these positions includes players like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, as well as a choice between Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.
The top order features Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, maintaining their partnership as the opening duo. Virat Kohli retains his position at number 3, while Suryakumar Yadav occupies the number 4 spot. This series will serve as a crucial test for Yadav to secure his spot in the World Cup playing XI, especially with Shreyas Iyer's potential return.
India seeks strong finishers in the lower order, and to achieve this, they plan to field three all-rounders. Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are surefire picks, complementing each other's skills. The decision for the third all-rounder, whether Axar Patel or Shardul Thakur, will hinge on the pitch conditions. Axar's inclusion might be favored on slow pitches, while Thakur could be preferred on other surfaces.
As the team seeks to head into the World Cup with a clear mindset and good results, these selection decisions will be crucial in shaping India's chances in the tournament.
