Latest Cricket News: India’s squad for the high-profile World Cup 2023 was formally announced earlier this week. The new BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, along with India captain Rohit Sharma, addressed a press conference in Sri Lanka to disclose India’s 15-member lineup for the mega event. The announcement of India’s home World Cup squad was watched by thousands of cricket fans and comprised no surprise picks. 

The inclusion of Surkaymar Yadav and KL Rahul, however, remained a highly debated topic from India’s squad disclosure. Yadav was picked by Agarkar and Co. as a backup middle-order batting option, while Rahul, who is returning from an injury, is likely to start in India’s playing XI as a wicketkeeper. Both renowned right-handed batters are part of India’s contingent in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.

Latest Cricket News: ‘I Would Play Suryakumar Yadav Every Single Time’ says Harbhajan Singh

Meanwhile, veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh has lauded Indian selectors for picking Suryakumar Yadav in India’s World Cup lineup. Harbhajan believes Yadav is a better-equipped middle-order batter, as compared to his competitor Sanju Samson. Despite showcasing a poor ODI record, the 43-year-old is confident about Yadav’s successful future in 50-over Cricket.

“I don’t think selectors have been harsh on Sanju Samson. Picking Suryakumar Yadav over Sanju is the right move, because the game Suryakumar has in the middle overs, Sanju probably doesn’t possess that yet. Suryakumar Yadav gives you the reliability and he can make big scores, while Sanju plays high-risk cricket.” Harbhajan Singh said

“Some people will throw Surya’s ODI numbers at me. But see what he has done in T20s. If he comes to bat with those many deliveries left, I don’t think there’s a better player than him in the whole country. What he can do in that position, even Rohit and Virat cannot,” Harbhajan added in his Star Sports interaction

Suryakumar Yadav has been India’s batting spearhead in 20-over Cricket in recent times. Yadav, however, has struggled big time in one-day Internationals so far early on in his career. In his 26 India appearances in ODIs, the 32-year-old has scored a mere 511 runs, with a substandard average of 24.3.