• Home
  • Player Stories
  • Wasim Jaffer Predicts Indias World Cup Squad Shikhar Dhawan Gets Wildcard Entry

Wasim Jaffer Predicts India's World Cup Squad; Shikhar Dhawan Gets Wildcard Entry

image-lkgke1cnShikhar Dhawan has played 167 ODIs for India [Source: Twitter]

The upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is just a few months away, and the composition of India's one-day outfit still lacks an outline. While the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah are assured of a place, there are several spots on offer, which have many contenders. 

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer in his 15-man Indian squad for the marquee event has included out-of-favour batter Shikhar Dhawan as well as a backup opener. Speaking to Jio Cinema, the former Mumbai Ranji Trophy stalwart, explained Dhawan's inclusion, who has not been picked in India's Asian Games 2023 squad as well. 

Dhawan, who has featured for India in 167 ODIs, last played for India in December 2022, and has since been out of the squad. 

Here's what Jaffer said

"My three openers will be Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Shikhar Dhawan. Even though Shikhar Dhawan is not going to be picked, I will keep him as the backup opener. Even if he doesn't play at the start, I am okay with that.

The 45-year-old further included the likes KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Sanju Samson  in his squad, while omitting the experienced Yuzvendra Chahal.

"After that, Virat Kohli at No. 3 obviously. Shreyas Iyer at No. 4, KL Rahul at No. 5 and Hardik Pandya at No. 6. Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will be my three spinners."


"In my XI, I will have Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj/Mohammad Shami. I will play two seamers - Bumrah and Siraj. For me, it is very important that Hardik Pandya bowls because the World Cup is in India. Even if he doesn't bowl 10 overs and bowls seven-eight overs, it's enough for me."

India kick off their CWC 2023 campaign against Australia on October 8 and have as many as two-bilateral series and one Asia Cup tournament to prepare for the showpiece event. 


Wasim Jaffer's India Squad for CWC 2023

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammad Shami, Sanju Samson, Shardul Thakur