National Cricket Academy head VVS Laxman believes it will be difficult for the selectors to get the team right for the 2023 ODI World Cup given India’s potent bench strength. A pool of young Indian players is coming up in the ranks and the selectors will have their work cut out in finalizing the squad.
India has selected a B-team for the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa as the main squad has traveled to Australia for the T20 World Cup. Laxman is serving as the team’s head coach in the absence of Rahul Dravid.
In fact, this is not the first time that VVS Laxman has been filling in for his former teammate. Laxman had taken over the reins for the Ireland T20I series, one match against England when Dravid was recovering from Covid-19, and the series against Zimbabwe.
“It’s worked well so far (as a backup coach), it started from the Ireland series, the one England T20I (1st match) and the Zimbabwe series. Obviously, need to cover up for Rahul (Dravid) given his work commitments and the T20 WC coming up now,” Laxman said before the start of first ODI against South Africa.
Meanwhile, India has a lot of options and there is no doubt that the team is spoiled for choices in all three forms of the game.
“Have a good bunch of cricketers, they are all looking forward to the series, the competition between them is good, we are spoiled for choices considering the amount of talent we have,” he added.
The young players have grabbed their opportunities with both hands and the team has been giving them ample chances at the top level.
“It’ll be difficult for the selectors to get the right team going into the 2023 50-over World Cup. All the youngsters are doing well, they know that they’ll not get too many opportunities once the main players return, but this is a chance to perform well and keep themselves in the hunt when the strongest side is being picked,” he concluded.
India lost the first ODI against South Africa by nine runs and the second game will be played in Ranchi on Sunday.
