‘Don't lose heart’ – Shastri’s message to Rayudu, Pant

Shastri said he would have preferred a 16-man squad – “When you only have 15 to pick, there is bound to be someone or the other who misses out, which is very unfortunate” – but said the players left out should retain hope.

“They shouldn't lose heart,” he was quoted as saying by Sport360. “It's a funny game. There could be injuries. So you never know when you could be called up."

Shastri didn’t really delve into selection matters, saying, “if we have an opinion, we let the captain know.” However, he did throw light on whom India would pick for the No.4 spot – all of Vijay Shankar, Dinesh Karthik, KL Rahul and MS Dhoni are in contention. "Total flexibility depending on conditions, opposition,” said Shastri. “I would say the top three, but after that you can be very flexible.”

The doubts regarding the No.4, and the middle order in general, has led to suggestions that India are too reliant on the top three of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and in particular, Virat Kohli.

However, Shastri rubbished those claims. “If you look at the last five years, the way the Indian team has performed, they have always been in the top two or three,” he said. “To be in top two or three for five years in a row, No.1 in Tests, again top three in T20I cricket, you can't depend on one player.

“You have that kind of consistent record, you need a bunch of players performing all the time. Due credit to the team.”

India are one of the favourites to win the trophy in England and Wales – they’re ranked No.2 in the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings – but Shastri tipped hosts England as ones to watch out for at the World Cup. “England have been the most consistent team over the last two years," he said. "They have multi-dimensional players. They have depth in bowling and batting. And they are playing at home. They would start as favourites.

“But there are so many teams that can beat any team on a given day. In a tournament like the World Cup, you have got to be on top of your game every game.”

India begin their World Cup campaign on 5 June in Southampton against South Africa.