'You had Gambhir, Yuvraj in 2011' - Former India head coach laments lack of left-handed batters in Indian batting lineup for ODI World Cup 2023

The much-awaited ODI World Cup 2023 is set to start on October 5 when the 2019 World Cup finalists England and New Zealand will lock horns at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India have performed decently in the limited-overs format in recent years. The batters are also in great form and will hope to win the title after 12 years.

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Meanwhile, former India head coach Ravi Shastri advised including at least two left-handers for the forthcoming ODI World Cup 2023 since he feels that India's top six batsmen are now overrepresented by right-handers. Shastri stressed the importance of finding the ideal balance and believed that left-handers should always be in the top three or four positions in the batting order. He also talked about how the former legendary left-handers Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina helped the team to lift the trophy in 2011.

"You need to strike the right balance. Do you think a left-hander will make a difference at the top? It does not have to be opening but in the top three or four. You have to weigh all those options. Ideally, in the top six, ideally I would like to see two left-handers in the top 6 for India at the 2023 World Cup. Whenever India have done well, left-handers contributed. In 2011, you had Gambhir, Yuvraj and Suresh Raina.” Shastri was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

There is enough left-handed talent: Ravi Shastri

Shastri thinks there is enough left-handed talent out there, including emerging players Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma, as well as wicketkeepers Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson. However, there is very less possibility that any of these players will be picked up for the grand event as the management is likely to go with experienced players.

"You have Ishan Kishan. In the wicketkeeping department, you have Sanju . But the left-handers, you have Jaiswal, Tilak Varma. There is enough left-handed talent that can replace any senior player at the moment. There are so many youngsters. I might miss out a few here, Tilak Varma, and Nehal Wadhera. There is Sudharsan, who played so well in the final. There is Jitesh Sharma," he said.