Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer reckons not having an off-spinner could be the most gaping hole in India’s World Cup squad. The Indian selectors have picked Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav as the three spinners in the 15-man squad for the ODI showpiece.

Based on recent matches and form, it is expected that Jadeja and Yadav will be India’s first-choice spinners in the final XI of the World Cup. India had the option of picking veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, but he was not in the race to get selected. Furthermore, Indian selectors could have also backed Washington Sundar but the Tamil Nadu off-spinner lacked game time in the recent past.

There is no doubt that the spinners will play an absolutely key role in the success of the team in the ODI World Cup as the Indian conditions will be conducive for them.

Furthermore, Jaffer also shared his surprise at Yuzvendra Chahal’s exclusion from the World Cup squad and feels the leg-spinner is lucky to miss out on the squad.

Chahal could not get a game in the recent three-match ODI series against the West Indies and he was also not picked for the Asia Cup. The leg-spinner from Haryana has scalped 121 wickets in 72 ODI matches at an average of 27.13 and an economy rate of 5.27.

Moreover, Jaffer added he would bring in Tilak Varma for Suryakumar Yadav if he could make one change in the World Cup squad while speaking to ESPN Cricinfo.

India will begin their World Cup campaign against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on October 8.

India squad for the World Cup: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.