Important to have the right mix of experience and youth, asserts MSK Prasad

The Indian cricket team has been in fine form since the advent of 2019 season with Virat Kohli & Co. have pulling off memorable series wins against Australia and New Zealand in the last two months. The Men in blue have looked like a more complete side under the guidance of Ravi Shastri and skipper Kohli with MS Dhoni as the most experienced advisor to the team, on and off the pitch. 

Chief India selector, MSK Prasad, has lavished praise on the young Indian squad, who have emerged as one of the favorites in the build-up to the this year’s 2019 ICC ODI World Cup that will be played in England & Wales.

"To win mega events we need to have the right mix of experience and youthful exuberance. I am sure our committee will strike that balance. Youngsters who have reached this level know exactly what is expected of them. In today's world, players are exposed to so many pressure-filled tours and tournaments prior to getting into the national squads. They are much more seasoned and mature than earlier.

"I have absolutely no worry about our pace bowling backups. Apart from our premier five fast bowlers, we have reserve bunch of five fast bowlers who are competent enough to get into the senior team. Hardik (Pandya) lends good balance as he can chip in with ball and bat. His fielding adds that edge," Prasad said in a recent interview with TOI.

Prasad, who played six Test matches for India, further spoke about the impressive wrist spinning duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. The duo has been in terrific form in the limited-overs format and is battling for a spot in the ODI starting team.

"Kuldeep and Chahal have done extremely well in the last one year or so. We (have) tried to increase the bench strength in the spin department. In T20 formats, we have also given opportunities to Washington Sundhar and Krunal Pandya apart from the four top spinners (Ashwin, Jadeja, Kuldeep and Chahal) and they have done well in that particular format.

"Kuldeep has bowled extremely well in the opportunities he has had. He is definitely a bright prospect across all formats. We have tried Chahal in the longer formats by putting him in India 'A' squads but he seems to be more comfortable with the white ball. Having said that, if he is willing to put in the hard yards in red-ball cricket, he is most welcome to do so and we will monitor his progress," Prasad added.