India is all set to host the 2023 ODI World Cup later this year. Teams around the globe have already started preparing for the mega event. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also shortlisted 20 players for the mega event. It’s also reported that BCCI has directed the Indian team management to take care of the world cup-bound players.
Meanwhile, former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has asked the Indian media to not seek any sort of advice from foreign commentators on India’s squad for the ODI World Cup. Gavaskar opined that these commentators are loyal to their country and may suggest names that India don’t need.
“Hopefully, our media won’t be going to overseas commentators asking who should be picked for India. Never forget that these commentators are loyal to their country and may actually suggest names that may not be what India needs,” wrote Gavaskar in his column for Mid-Day.
Recalling the last world cup squad in 2019, Gavaskar wrote, “We saw what happened in the last World Cup where a newcomer’s name was pushed by the overseas commentators during that season’s IPL and he was eventually picked over a proven performer and India ended up hardly playing him in the XI.”
“Cricket being hugely popular, it is understandable that there has to be some cricket news or the other but it would be terrific if we don’t go around asking foreigners what our teams should be, because then the joke could well be on us, the Indian fans and it won’t be funny at all,” added Gavaskar.
Notably, Indian selectors picked Vijay Shankar ahead of Ambati Rayudu for the 2019 ODI World Cup who only warmed the bench for the team. It was also considered one of the most controversial selections by the BCCI.