'I have no idea. Not my cup of tea to talk': Kapil Dev reacts to India's selection calls

In the lead-up to the highly-anticipated ODI World Cup 2023 scheduled to begin on October 5, Team India finds itself grappling with a long-standing Achilles heel – the vulnerability of Indian batters against left-arm fast bowlers. Despite the team's recent success at the Asia Cup 2023, this persistent weakness remains a cause for concern.

3 things you need to know

• Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have faced difficulties against left-arm fast bowlers
• India have not had a quality left-arm fast bowler since Zaheer Khan 
• Top teams have named left-arm fast bowlers in their 2023 World Cup squads

READ: 'Easy to raise fingers': Kapil Dev responds to Gambhir's remark on Iyer's ODI WC inclusion 

Absence of left-arm fast bowler

Historically, Indian batters have struggled against the swing, seam movement, and angles presented by left-arm fast bowlers. The absence of a quality and experienced left-arm fast bowler in the Indian squad since the days of Zaheer Khan has deprived Indian batters of the opportunity to hone their skills against high-quality pace in the nets.

This deficiency becomes particularly apparent when examining the performance of India's premier batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, against left-arm pacers. Both have faced difficulties when confronted with the challenge posed by left-arm bowlers from top cricketing nations.

• Virat Kohli vs left-arm fast bowlers in ODIs since 2021: Runs: 87, Balls: 98, Dismissals: 4, Avg: 21, SR: 88
• Rohit Sharma vs left-arm fast bowlers in ODIs since 2021: Runs: 138, Balls: 147, Dismissals: 6, Avg: 23, SR: 93

With the ODI World Cup just around the corner, India faces formidable opponents, many of whom possess potent left-arm fast bowlers. Teams like Pakistan with Shaheen Afridi, New Zealand with Trent Boult, Australia with Mitchell Starc, and England with Reece Topley, all have the potential to exploit this historical weakness.

When questioned about the absence of a left-arm fast bowler in the Indian squad, 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev expressed frustration. "Are you challenging the selectors? Are you not happy with the Indian selectors? I am nobody to talk against them. They are national selectors. They have picked a team, and we should respect that," Kapil Dev told Republic on the sidelines of the inaugural Trinity Golf Champions League.

It is worth noting that during the 2011 World Cup, India triumphed with the help of left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan, who emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker of the tournament. Khan's 21 wickets in nine matches played a pivotal role in India's success.

READ: 'You just can't call them up': Rohit's defiant answer when asked about India's selection

India's injury concerns ahead of World Cup

As India prepares for the World Cup 2023, they also face injury concerns within the team. Shreyas Iyer is struggling with back spasms, and Axar Patel suffered a left quadriceps strain during the Asia Cup 2023. When questioned about the recurring issue of player injuries despite the BCCI's world-class facilities, Kapil Dev responded, "I have no idea. It is not my cup of tea to talk. What I see, I talk."

To prepare for the upcoming World Cup, India are set to play a three-match ODI series against Australia from September 22 to 27. While Iyer has been selected for all three matches, Patel has been named for the third fixture. India's World Cup journey will commence on October 8 when they face Australia in Chennai, where their mettle against left-arm fast bowlers will once again be put to the test on the grandest stage of ODI cricket.