Predicting India's playing XI in the 2023 Cricket World Cup

India's preparations for the 2023 Cricket World Cup have begun and 20 players have been shortlisted who would feature in this World Cup. India will be playing 16 ODI's plus the Asia Cup before the World Cup. 4 ODI's have already happened and fans have gotten an idea of who is likely going to feature in the first-choice XI in the World Cup. With that being said, here is 

India's playing XI in the 2023 Cricket World Cup 

1. Rohit Sharma (C)

India's captain picks himself as the first-choice opener for the World Cup as he is the most experienced and prolific opener have. 9630 ODI runs which includes 3 Double centuries at an average of 48.64 shows what Rohit Sharma is capable when he is on song.

In recent times, the Indian opener has gotten starts, but has failed to convert them into triple digit scores. Fans will hope that the hitman converts those thirties and give India the perfect start that in their batting innings.

2. Shubman Gill

Ever since making his debut in the ODI's, Shubman Gill has been a force to reckon with when it comes to the 50 over format. The 23-year-old made history recently, becoming the joint-second fastest batsman to score 1000 ODI runs (19 innings). He achieved this feat by scoring a brilliant 208 in just 149 deliveries.

The consistency Gill has shown in those 19 innings, averaging 68.8 at a strike rate 0f 109.9 earned him a spot at the number 2 spot, batting alongside Rohit Sharma.

3. Virat Kohli

Perhaps the greatest ODI batsman of our generation, Virat Kohli picks himself in the XI just like Rohit Sharma. Owning almost every record in ODI cricket, the former Indian captain will be playing his fourth Cricket World Cup and would like to add another ICC trophy to his cabinet.

The 34-year-old has returned back to form, scoring 2 brilliant centuries at the 3 match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

4. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer has sealed his position at number four with consistent performance in 2022. The 28-year-old was the highest run scorer for India in the previous year, scoring 724 runs in 15 innings at a brilliant average of 55.61. The 'number 4' problem India had at the 2019 World Cup; Shreyas Iyer has seemed to fix that problem as he has shown he is a reliable batsman whenever there is a top order collapse.

5. KL Rahul (WK)

Having a batting average of 51.78 batting at the middle order for India at the ODI's, KL Rahul picks himself as India's number 5 and is also chosen for his ability to keep wickets. His powerful 70 against Bangladesh in December 2022, or his patient 61* against Sri Lanka in January 2023, shows the versatility of KL Rahul in the 50 over format. 

6. Hardik Pandya (VC)

 One of the best all-rounders in white ball cricket at the moment, the Indian vice-captain picks himself in the team has he provides balance in the batting and bowling department. The hard-hitting all-rounder can play according to the situation required, as he has proven in the past, he can score a quick fire 50 in 30 balls and can also play a patient and calculated innings if the situation demands. 

In the bowling department, Hardik Pandya is used as a sixth bowling option and has the knack of taking important wickets at the middle and death overs.

7. Axar Patel / Ravindra Jadeja

For the first spin bowling all-rounder, the selectors would have to choose between the veteran Ravindra Jadeja and the youngster Axar Patel. Ever since Ravindra Jadeja's injury, Axar Patel has filled in his shoes with the consistent performances with the bat and ball. However, Ravindra Jadeja might have an edge over Axar Patel as the Jadeja has a plethora of experience when it comes in crucial situations with the bat and can win any match with his gun fielding.

8. Washington Sundar / Kuldeep Yadav

The choice of the second spinner for the selectors is between Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav. If the selectors want to go for batting depth, they would go with Washington Sundar. However, the team is looking for a strong bowling attack, they would go for the china-man Kuldeep Yadav.

9. Mohammed Shami / Umran Malik

The last 3 positions the selectors would have to choose is the 3 fast bowlers. The first pace option they would have to choose from is between the young-gun bowler Umran Malik and the experienced Mohammed Shami. It is most likely that the selectors would go with Mohammad Shami as he has plenty of experience, playing over 97 ODI's for the men in blue.

Umran Malik is still a work in progress bowler as he has less than a year of experience in international cricket. The youngster has shown positive signs of his raw pace going through any batting line-up. He can earn his spot in the team by impressing the selectors in the ODI's leading to the World Cup.

10. Mohammed Siraj

From being trolled heavily by fans for his bowling in the IPL, to being Rohit Sharma's go to bowler, Mohammed Siraj has come a long way. Ever since making his debut in the 50 over format, the 28-year-old has taken 37 wickets in 21 innings at an impressive economy of 4.76. Siraj has always given India the perfect starts for India, taking plenty of wickets in the powerplay and putting pressure on the oppositions bating from ball one.

11. Jasprit Bumrah

Despite frequently getting injured, Jasprit Bumrah has been India's best bowler ever since making his debut in 2016. He has taken the most wickets and bowled the most number of overs in all formats since making his debut and has dominated the ICC rankings for many years. If he stays fit and injury free before the world cup, he becomes an automatic selection in the Indian playing XI and will be looking forward to play his second Cricket World Cup for the men in blue.

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Cover Credits: BCCIofficial