Former head coach Ravi Shastri has raised concerns about the lack of left-handers in India’s ODI team. Shastri believes that there are too many right-handed batsmen in the top six and wants to see at least two left-handers included in the starting lineup for the ODI World Cup later this year.
Speaking to The Week, Shastri stated, “There are a lot of right-handed batsmen in the Indian team now. I am not saying that we need left-handed players in the opening. But you need at least 2 left-handers in the top six. I say that strikes the right balance.”
One of the key left-arm options, Rishabh Pant, has been sidelined due to a car accident and has not played any competitive cricket this year. While Ishan Kishan was given a chance, he was unable to make the most of the opportunity. Ravindra Jadeja is another option, but he lacks experience batting in the top six. Yashaswi Jaiswal, who was included in India’s Test squad for the West Indies series, was not included in the ODI series.
The ODI World Cup is set to begin on October 5, and if Pant recovers in time, he is likely to regain his place in the team. However, Shastri believes there are other left-handed options available. He mentioned Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson in the wicket-keeping department, and Yashaswi Jaiswal and Tilak Verma as talented left-handers who can challenge senior players for a spot in the team.
Shastri emphasized the importance of building a pool of young players and delivering them ahead of the World Cup. While he expressed concerns about India’s red-ball depth, he expressed satisfaction with the talent in white-ball cricket.
As India prepares for the ODI World Cup, the inclusion of left-handers in the top six will be a crucial factor in achieving the right balance and maximizing the team’s chances of success.
How does Ravi Shastri believe the lack of left-handers in India’s ODI team can affect the team’s balance and chances of success in the World Cup?
Former head coach Ravi Shastri has brought attention to the lack of left-handers in India’s ODI team. Shastri believes that having more right-handed batsmen in the top six is unbalanced and wants to see at least two left-handers included in the starting lineup for the ODI World Cup later this year.
In an interview with The Week, Shastri expressed his concerns, stating, “There are a lot of right-handed batsmen in the Indian team now. I am not saying that we need left-handed players in the opening. But you need at least 2 left-handers in the top six. I say that strikes the right balance.”
Rishabh Pant, who is one of the main left-arm options, has unfortunately been sidelined due to a car accident and has not been able to play any competitive cricket this year. Ishan Kishan, who was given a chance, was unable to fully utilize the opportunity. Although Ravindra Jadeja is another option, he lacks experience batting in the top six. Yashaswi Jaiswal, who was included in India’s Test squad for the West Indies series, was not included in the ODI series.
The ODI World Cup is set to begin on October 5, and if Pant recovers in time, he is likely to reclaim his place in the team. However, Shastri believes there are other left-handed options available. He mentioned Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson in the wicket-keeping department, along with Yashaswi Jaiswal and Tilak Verma as talented left-handers who can potentially challenge senior players for a spot in the team.
Shastri emphasized the importance of nurturing a pool of young players and grooming them ahead of the World Cup. While he expressed concerns about India’s red-ball depth, he expressed satisfaction with the talent in white-ball cricket.
As India gears up for the ODI World Cup, the inclusion of left-handers in the top six will be a critical factor in finding the right balance and maximizing the team’s chances of success.
