/sky247-english/media/agency_attachments/u8Dd4hyaH0mQGXmyg0Eo.png)
/sky247-english/media/media_files/oXHoxgPA7CrylmMTcwp1.jpg)
Follow Us/sky247-eng/media/post_banners/ugC35kPs2Ot0U733TQuW.png)
Kuldeep Yadav, Harbhajan Singh & Ravichandran Ashwin (Source: Twitter)
Ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup, Team India ticked all the boxes as their top players returned to form and clinched the three-match ODI series against Australia. However, management still has a headache over the team selection. With Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav in the mix, the middle-order composition is an issue. Meanwhile, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's late inclusion has also made the selectors scratch their heads.
/sky247-english/media/media_files/L36rCpmHRJkAgRgNCcLd.jpg)
All-rounder Axar Patel's Asia Cup injury paved the way for Ashwin's comeback to the Indian ODI setup after 21 months. He was drafted into the World Cup squad at the last minute and now India's spin attack is bolstered with Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja. With Jadeja cementing his place, the question remains of Ashwin or Kuldeep in the starting XI.
Meanwhile, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh answered the same question while speaking to ESPNcricinfo. The spin wizard, who picked Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj and Mohammad Shami in India's pace attack, chose Ashwin and Jadeja as spin options. "If you want a proven bowler, I would go with R Ashwin alongside Ravindra Jadeja," said Harbhajan.
You have to back your guy who has done it: Harbhajan
Asked again about his preference for Ashwin over Kuldeep, the 2011 World Cup winner said the former also has the advantage in batting. "Yes, because Ashwin can bat as well. That's where you have to back your guy who has done it. If he doesn't, then you can have a guy who can come in and perform like Kuldeep," added Harbhajan.
While Ashwin is a legend of spin bowling, Kuldeep has been India's key bowler in recent times, especially in 2023. The left-arm Chinaman is India's leading wicket-taker in ODIs for 2023, with a remarkable haul of 33 wickets. His performances in the West Indies tour and the recently concluded Asia Cup have been impressive. Kuldeep, who took five wickets while conceding just 25 runs against Pakistan, was also adjudged player of the tournament after India's successful Asia Cup campaign.
The Men in Blue will begin their 2023 ODI World Cup campaign against Australia at the M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8. Notably, their two warm-up matches got washed out and will be directly facing the five-time champions.