'If You Can’t Score With Seven Batters, You Can’t Win a Match': Former Selector Suggests India to Play Three Spinners, Bench Shardul Thakur

India have picked as many as three left-arm spinners in their 15-man squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup that starts in the first week of October. The absence of an offspinner has been questioned but with Ravichandran Ashwin making a successful comeback in the ongoing Australia series, the team management might reconsider their decision.

Former India wicketkeeper and selector Kiran More reckons that an offspinner will be especially effective considering the number left-handers other teams have in their respective lineups.

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He feels that spinner will have a major role to play in the first part of the world cup. “Both Axar and Ashwin are very good but when you look at the batting lineup of other countries, there are so many left-handers,” More told Hindustan Times. “So, it’s important to have an off-spinner in the side. I’m not sure how the pitches will play throughout but after the monsoon, I expect the ball to hold a bit. Spinners will play a big role in the first half of the World Cup.”

More also advised that India should prefer playing Ashwin and Axar Patel ahead of Shardul Thakur.

“Ashwin and Axar can bat and give the team some balance as allrounders. Either of them can be included in Shardul’s spot. And to be honest, if you can’t score with seven batters, you can’t win a match. So, if there’s turn on offer, we might have to go with three spinners,” he said.

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He also believes that KL Rahul, who has made a terrific comeback after a long injury layoff, will be one of the top performers for India during the world cup.

“I believe Rahul will do a great job for India at the World Cup,” said the former India stumper. “He did very well in the Asia Cup and mind you, he’s made a comeback after a really long injury layoff. He has very good hands and has already taken a couple of fine catches. He’s a big player and it’s a good sign for India that he’s gaining confidence in both departments,” he said.