Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has pointed out a significant issue with India's potential team for the ODI World Cup 2023 which begins on October 5th at home.
Shastri feels the presence of 2 left-handers in the top-6 is crucial for the team's performance in the marquee tournament.
Comparing the Indian XI with that of the 2011 World Cup-winning Indian XI, Shastri noted that the absence of multiple left-handers might come to haunt India.
'Whenever you have done well, you had left-handers. In 2011, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina were there', Shastri said while speaking to International Cricket Council.
'That is going to be a challenge, you need to strike a balance, Do you think a left-hander will make a difference at the top? it does not have to be opening but I would like to see 2 left-handers in the top 6', he added.
Rishabh Pant's absence is going to affect India and Ravi Shastri feels left-handers like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma can replace any senior player to balance the side better.
He said, 'The left-handers you have - Jaiswal, Tilak Varma. There is enough left-handed talent that can replace any senior player at the moment.'