Former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin backed Shreyas Iyer to be in Team India's playing eleven in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 ahead of the left-hander Ishan Kishan.
Azharuddin also strongly believes that R Ashwin must take Akshar Patel’s place in India’s 15-man CWC squad if the all-rounder fails to recover in time for the showpiece event.
Mohammad Azharuddin was quoted as saying by PTI: “Good competition always brings the best out of the players. Shreyas is an exciting player and he batted well the other day after losing out on games due to his back issues. He is very positive with his intent and looks to score all the time.”
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He added, “Shreyas can make a big impact in the game. It is very hard to look past him unless you are looking for a left-hander in the middle, then Ishan comes into the picture. However, I feel Shreyas has done enough.”
On the possible inclusion of Ashwin in India’s World Cup 2023 squad, the former captain noted: “Ashwin is someone who should be in the team. It is not very easy to line up against him as he has got a lot of variations. The team has already been announced. It remains to be seen whether Axar is in there or not. Instead of two left-arm spinners, Ashwin can also bat well, he should find a place.”
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Azharuddin also lauded Mohammad Shami’s recent performances and backed him to be included in the playing XI, as he feels there is no need for Shardul Thakur, as the Men in Blue already have Hardik Pandya as bowling all-rounder for the tournament.
He signed off by saying, “Shami has been doing well for a long time. Shardul too has done alright in the limited chances he has got. But you don't require everyone to bat in the 11. Shami has also batted well at times. Shardul is a bowling all-rounder, not a batting all-rounder. When you already have Haridk Pandya you don't need Shardul in the playing eleven.”
(With PTI Inputs)
