Well-balanced team picked for 2015 WC, says Syed Kirmani

Former India cricketer Syed Mujtaba Hussain Kirmani on Tuesday said that India's 15-man squad picked for the upcoming World Cup by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is a well balanced team, adding that the team selection points towards realising the potential of promising youngsters.

"I think it is a very well balanced team. They [the selectors] are looking into promising youngsters who could be a good investment in the near future," Kirmani told ANI.

However, the former wicket-keeper cautioned that retaining the title will not be easy, noting the tricky conditions in Australia and New Zealand.

"[Winning the tournament] is going to be difficult because the conditions are going to be different," he said.

Kirmani also expressed surprise over the omission of Yuvraj Singh from the final squad but expressed his full faith in the selection committee.

"I thought Yuvraj would have been of a very useful choice. He has been a great player in the previous World Cup. He has been the tournament player of the World Cup 2011. He has been in good form this season as well. But, I am sure the selection committee looks into the future of tomorrow," he said.

Earlier in the day, the BCCI announced the squad for the World Cup. All-rounder Stuart Binny was the surprise inclusion in the list for the tournament, which will be jointly held by Australia and New Zealand from February 14.

India's 15-man squad for the World Cup is as follows: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayadu, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akshar Patel, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Stuart Binny, Umesh Yadav.

In addition, Dhawal Kulkarni and Mohit Sharma have been named in the squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series against England and Australia.