Class of 2011 vs Class of 2023: Is India World Cup Ready? | Sledging Room, Ep 59

The 2023 ODI World Cup to be played in India is less than three months away. But is the Indian team ready? There isn't much time and now is as good a time as any to delve deep into India's preparedness for cricket's showpiece event which returns to Asia after 12 years. India had of course won the World Cup in 2011 which was co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Back then, India had a solid side ready for the World Cup with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni in superb form. Besides, the team had plenty of bowling options in the playing XI. Rohit Sharma's team has issues. Yes, they started the year well with series wins over Sri Lanka and New Zealand but they were beaten by Australia. Rohit Sharma hasn't played a lot of ODIs after the pandemic while Virat Kohli is still struggling to get his mojo back, never mind those hundreds against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. To make matters worse, Suryakumar Yadav has not set the ODI stage on fire despite his heroics in T20Is. He bagged three golden ducks in the series against Australia but given his heroic return to form for Mumbai Indians, India would be hoping he is in fine form for the rest of the year. Rishabh Pant, a high-impact player in the middle-order is racing against time to be fit for the World Cup following a car crash in December. Moreover, India's bowling resources will also be in focus. Jasprit Bumrah, who destroyed England with a six-wicket haul in July last year, has been away from action for a long time. The focus will be on Mohammed Siraj to lead the pace attack while the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal could end up playing crucial roles. Also on the Sledging Room, a look into England's fightback against Australia at Leeds. And as India start their third cycle of the World Test Championship, can Yashasvi Jaiswal cement his place in the side? Will Shubman Gill be a suitable replacement for Cheteshwar Pujara? Will Rohit Sharma, the India Test captain, answer his critics with some solid performances? Saurabh Kumar and Alan John join Rajarshi Gupta in a riveting debate on the latest episode of the Sledging Room. Tune in! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi