'Was keen to see him': Yuvraj Singh talks about missing force from India's World Cup squad

For the next ICC ODI World Cup 2023, which starts next week, Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian Cricket Team as captain. Although the tournament itself will begin on October 5, 2023, Team India's first game will not be until October 8, 2023, when they face Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The BCCI announced the final World Cup team on Thursday, September 28, 2023. R Ashwin replaced Axar Patel, who had to withdraw due to injury, as the only change from the previous lineup. 

3 things you need to know 

• R Ashwin replaced Axar Patel in the squad for the ICC ODI World Cup
• India is set to play England and Netherlands in warm-up matches 
•  India won the Asia Cup 2023 and 3 match ODI series against Australia by 2-1

Also Read: 'Hasn't Done Anything Big': Sehwag Excludes Star Player From India's Predicted XI For WC

Yuvraj Singh makes a huge statement on the ODI World Cup squad 

The 2011 World Cup hero, Yuvraj Singh, thinks there are many excellent players in the Indian team. But he feels that the home team should have started with either Washington Sundar or wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Unfortunately, an injury to his quadriceps forced all-rounder Axar Patel to miss the world tournament. The management chose to replace him with the seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. First called up for the ODI series against Australia, Ashwin eventually booked a place in the final 15-man roster, forcing Chahal and Washington out of the lineup. In an interview with PTI, he said: 

I personally feel the only miss in this side is Yuzvendra Chahal. I think the only aspect that is missing from this team is a leg-spinner, I was very keen to see Washington Sundar in the side if we are not picking up Yuzi. But maybe the team wanted an experienced bowler, so that is why I think they went with R Ashwin.

Also Read: 'He Will Definitely Be There': Gavaskar, Pathan Make Major Change In India's WC Playing XI

What is next for Team India?

Team India will now face England on Saturday, September 30, in a warm-up match, and will face the Netherlands on October 3, 2023, to finish their practice for the major tournament. Fans have high expectations from Rohit Sharma and his squad, as they are the favourites on home soil. They will be looking to end their ICC trophy drought this year.