'In World Cup our players have Bharat on our chest': Virender Sehwag's demand to BCCI

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a 15-member provisional squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India in October-November. Indian men's cricket team captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar held a press conference in Sri Lanka, where they confirmed the players who have been picked for the World Cup squad. Agarkar went on to say that no changes will be made to the provisional World Cup squad until there is an injury in the team. 

3 things you need to know

• The ODI World Cup 2023 will be held in India from October 5 to November 19
• The BCCI on Tuesday unveiled a 15-member provisional squad for the event
• The last date for the submission of the main World Cup squad is September 28

Also Read: Team India Squad Announcement Live Updates

Sehwag wants the name 'Bharat' on Team India jerseys

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag has advocated for a change in the BCCI's approach by suggesting that India should be referred to as "Bharat" on the team's jerseys for the upcoming ODI World Cup. Sehwag, a member of the victorious 2011 World Cup squad, conveyed his viewpoint through his official social media account in response to a post shared by the BCCI announcing the World Cup squad. 

In the post, the BCCI had used the hashtag #TeamIndia, a choice that Sehwag disapproved of, prompting him to request the social media admin to make the alteration. He further urged BCCI secretary Jay Shah to use the name 'Bharat' on the World Cup jerseys. It's worth noting that Sehwag's proposal coincides with speculation regarding a potential official change of India's name to Bharat by the Indian government ahead of the G20 Summit.

I have always believed a name should be one which instills pride in us.
We are Bhartiyas ,India is a name given by the British & it has been long overdue to get our original name ‘Bharat’ back officially. I urge the @BCCI @JayShah to ensure that this World Cup our players have… https://t.co/R4Tbi9AQgA

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 5, 2023

Team India nahin #TeamBharat.
This World Cup as we cheer for Kohli , Rohit , Bumrah, Jaddu , may we have Bharat in our hearts and the players wear jersey which has “Bharat” @JayShah . https://t.co/LWQjjTB98Z

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 5, 2023

I am not at all interested in politics. Have been approached by both major parties in the last two elections. My view is that most entertainers or sportsman should not enter politics as most are their for their own ego and hunger for power and barely spare genuine time for… https://t.co/wuodkpp6HT

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 5, 2023

Also Read: 'Rahul Without Playing Any Matches Directly Selected': Reactions On India World Cup Squad

India's provisional World Cup squad

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya (vc), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav

Image: Instagram/VirenderSehwag/AP