India Squad for World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma-led 15-member squad announced; KL Rahul keeps his place, Chahal-Ashwin ignored

BCCI has announced the India squad for the World Cup 2023 on Tuesday (September 5). The apex body of Indian cricket has named the team that will be playing for the Men in Blue in the ODI World Cup later this year.

Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), along with skipper Rohit Sharma addressed a press conference in Kandy (Sri Lanka) to announce the 15-member India squad for the marquee competition, starting October 5.

Sanju Samson has been left out of the squad while KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have made it to the team. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has also found himself out of the squad while Jasprit Bumrah will spearhead the Indian pace attack along with Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. India World Cup Squad 2023: Suryakumar Yadav over Sanju Samson - Fans Unhappy With Kerala Star Exclusion

In the all-rounders' department, Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur will be the force for India alongside spin twins Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

While speaking about his team's balance in the ODI World Cup 2023, skipper Rohit said, "We have 3 all-rounders, 4 seamers, 7 batters. I don't think we could do more than that. Whatever we had available, we gave it a thought to come up with the squad, so that we get some batting depth, spinning options. This is our best combination."

The batting department will be led by captain Rohit Sharma, along with Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav. All these batters are already part of the existing squad in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.

"We need to create both bowling and batting depth. That is what was lacking in our team for a few years. When you talk about batting depth, the No. 8 and No. 9 positions become very crucial.

"We have spoken to the bowler on how they need to put their hands up to do the job for the team with the bat as well. It's just that you have to be mindful of what you do. I will try to use my resources the best I can," the Mumbaikar added further while interacting with media persons in Kandy.

As expected, Yuzvendra Chahal isn't part of the World Cup squad as his wrist-spin twin Kuldeep Yadav - the chinaman bowler - was preferred over the right-arm leg-spinner. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar - who was also addressing the media conference along with Rohit - once again highlighted the importance of Kuldeep Yadav.

"There were discussions (on Kuldeep and Chahal), because you want best balance in the team. Kuldeep takes the ball away from left-handers... If you have quality bowlers, they will get to the opposition on the day," Agarkar added further.

India Squad for World Cup 2023

Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya (Vice-Captain), Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Suryakumar Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav.