The national selection committee is unlikely to introduce any inexperienced IPL players during the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas. However, a few seasoned players might face disappointment when the squad is finalized by the end of this month. With the ICC mandating the announcement of the provisional 15-member squad by May 1, Ajit Agarkar and his colleagues face straightforward decisions, provided all team members are fit.
It is anticipated that either Shubman Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal might not make the cut. If both are selected, only one of the two finishers, Rinku Singh from Kolkata Knight Riders or Shivam Dube from Chennai Super Kings, will be chosen. Another tight decision could revolve around the second wicketkeeper’s position, with Sanju Samson facing competition from Jitesh Sharma, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan.
A BCCI source said: “There would not be any experimentation or left-field selections. All those who have played for India and have done well consistently in T20 Internationals and the IPL will be rewarded.”
Rahul and Kishan primarily open the batting and have not showcased their middle-order capabilities in this IPL season, complicating the selectors’ assessment of their performance in that role. Despite concerns over Hardik Pandya’s bowling fitness, his selection is not in immediate doubt. Similarly, Virat Kohli’s inclusion is virtually assured.
Other automatic selections include captain Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav. Assuming they are fit, these ten players are certain to travel across the Atlantic.
It’s acknowledged that RCB is giving Siraj a break due to his consistent play and the need for managing his workload. Choosing between Gill and Jaiswal, Gill has more runs, but Jaiswal’s significance to Indian cricket might make the selection committee reluctant to drop him based solely on a few low IPL scores.
Also, having the only left-hander in the top four adds diversity to the largely one-dimensional top order. If Gill continues to score well, it’ll be a tough decision unless both are accommodated by dropping one of Shivam or Rinku from the 15.
The reserve spinner position could see competition between Axar Patel, a useful batsman besides his accurate left-arm spin, Chahal, who hasn’t played a T20 World Cup match despite his nine-year international career, and Bishnoi, who represents Lucknow Super Giants. While Chahal excels in bowling skills, his frequent exclusions from important squads raise doubts about his inclusion in the upcoming showpiece event in June.
Emerging talents like Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Harshit Rana have showcased promising performances. However, the selection committee plans to introduce them gradually through bilateral cricket rather than thrusting them into high-pressure World T20 matches.
They are poised to make their India debuts during the upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. Nitish Reddy, a seam bowling all-rounder who featured in India Emerging’s Sri Lanka tour last year, could follow suit. There’s speculation whether BCCI will include players like Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, or Akash Madhwal as net bowlers, offering valuable exposure and experience.
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