Top 5 Indian Players Who Should Be Included in IND VS WI Series
Yashasvi Jaiswal is the prime contender to make the cut. (AP Photo)
India's recent loss to Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final was a major setback, causing the Rohit Sharma-led team to face significant criticism. However, as in life, cricket must go on. With the World Cup still a few months away, Team India is now preparing for an extensive series against the West Indies.
The upcoming tour will span one month and include two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the itinerary, with the tour commencing with the two Tests followed by the ODIs and T20Is.
The West Indies tour is expected to see the rest of several senior players, creating opportunities for the younger ones. Although the squads have not been announced yet, the tour presents an excellent opportunity for the Indian team to test their bench strength and provide young players with a chance to prove themselves on the international stage.
Indian cricket fans eagerly await the inclusion of these budding stars in the playing XI, hoping for a successful series against the West Indies. In this article, we will closely examine five Indian players who are likely to feature prominently in the highly anticipated matches.
5. Akash Madhwal
Madhwal showcased his talent during the IPL 2023, where he played eight matches and impressively claimed 14 wickets at an economy rate of 8.59. Despite his limited experience, Madhwal possesses raw pace, the ability to swing the ball, and deceptive variations that can trouble even the most experienced batsmen.
The upcoming West Indies T20I series presents an ideal platform for him to exhibit his skills and make a strong case for a permanent spot in the national squad. His recent IPL performance has certainly qualified him for consideration in the Indian team. Given India's search for death bowlers in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Madhwal could be a valuable addition to the squad.
4. Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh has been an outstanding performer for the Punjab Kings in the IPL, showcasing his powerful batting skills and agile wicket keeping abilities. His ability to score quick runs and handle the gloves makes him a valuable asset in the T20 format. Scoring 309 runs in 14 innings at an average of 23.77 and a strike rate of 156.06, including three scores above 40, Sharma emerged as the third-highest run-getter for the Punjab Kings.
His hard-hitting prowess can bolster the middle order and inject energy into critical points of the innings. Already on the fringes of the T20I squad, he is likely to make his T20 debut during the West Indies tour.
3. Mukesh Kumar
Mukesh Kumar's impressive performances in the IPL 2023 for the Delhi Capitals, carrying forward his stellar form from the Ranji Trophy where he excelled for Bengal, have caught the attention of many. Often creating movement with the new ball and displaying composure even in the death overs, Mukesh has shown the potential to handle pressure and get the job done.
As India aims to develop a new generation of fast bowlers, Mukesh Kumar fits the bill perfectly. Similar to Scott Boland, he consistently hits the right areas to challenge batsmen. Having been named as one of the standby players for the WTC Final, Mukesh has been on the fringes of the Indian team for some time now.
2. Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh made a strong case for himself during the IPL 2023 while representing the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Finishing as KKR's highest run-scorer in the tournament, Singh amassed 474 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 149.52, including four half-centuries. What was even more remarkable was the manner in which he scored those runs.
With an average of 59.25, Rinku held the highest average among players batting in positions four to seven in the order (minimum two matches). His outstanding displays are bound to capture the interest of national selectors, and he eagerly awaits a potential call-up to the national T20 squad.
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
Jaiswal is a young and dynamic batter who shows great promise in both First Class and T20 cricket. His outstanding performance during IPL 2023 suggests that he has the potential to become the next big thing in Indian cricket. Jaiswal's fearless approach and youthful energy make him a strong candidate to become a consistent presence in the Indian team across different formats. In the IPL 2023 season, he left a lasting impression by scoring 625 runs in 14 matches, with an impressive average of 48.08 and a striking strike rate of 163.61.
His contributions included five half-centuries and one century throughout the season. As a result of his remarkable performances, he earned his maiden call-up to the Indian squad as a standby player for the WTC final. With Shubman Gill already establishing himself as a key figure in India's Test and ODI squads, the partnership of Jaiswal and Gill at the top of the batting order holds immense potential and can form a formidable opening duo for the team.
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