ODI World Cup 2023: Former India batter Wasim Jaffer picks his India squad, senior batter makes surprise entry

The Indian Cricket Board is preparing hard for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. Ahead of the marquee tournaments, all stadiums and venues are being upgraded to enhance the experience of spectators. Meanwhile, fans and former cricketers have started picking their best Indian squad for the mega tournament.

Adding to the excitement, former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has picked his 15-member squad for the prestigious tournament. Surprisingly, Jaffer picked Shikhar Dhawan his team as the opener. "My three openers will be Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Shikhar Dhawan. Even though Shikhar Dhawan is not going to be picked, I will keep him as the backup opener. Even if he doesn't play at the start, I am okay with that", said Jaffer.

Further, he picked a predictable middle order. "After that, Virat Kohli at No. 3, obviously. Shreyas Iyer at No. 4, KL Rahul at No. 5, and Hardik Pandya at No. 6. Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav will be my three spinners in the XI. In my XI, I will have Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj/Mohammad Shami. I will play two seamers, Bumrah and Siraj. For me, it is very important that Hardik Pandya bowls because the World Cup is in India. Even if he doesn't bowl 10 overs and bowls seven-eight overs, it's enough for me", Jaffer added.

"Sanju and Shardul are backups", says Wasim Jaffer.

Speaking further about backups in the squad, Jaffer picked Sanju Samson and Shardul Thakur. "If he bowls, I will definitely try to play three spinners, and I will definitely play both Axar and Jadeja because they are all-rounders. My third spinner will obviously be Kuldeep. My fourth seamstress will be Shardul Thakur. Sanju Samson will be my backup keeper because I have already picked Shikhar as my third opener", concludes Jaffer.

Wasim Jaffer's India squad for ODI World Cup 2023:

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammad Shami, Sanju Samson, Shardul Thakur