New Delhi: As the Indian Premier League (IPL) draws to a close, the focus shifts to the selection of India’s cricket team for the T20 World Cup 2024. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to finalize the squad after the IPL, with an eye on players who have shown consistent performance in both the T20 Internationals and the IPL. The ICC has mandated May 1 as the deadline for announcing the provisional 15-member squad, putting the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, under pressure to make decisive choices regarding the fitness and form of the players.
A confidential source from the BCCI revealed to PTI that the selection will not be experimental but based on proven track records on the field. This approach indicates a tough competition for spots among seasoned players, with the possibility of some notable omissions. The spotlight is on the selection dilemma between Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, with both vying for a coveted spot in the team. The decision becomes more complex when considering the inclusion of finishers Rinku Singh and Shivam Dubey, as only one might secure a place if both Gill and Jaiswal are selected.
The role of the second wicketkeeper is also up for grabs, with Sanju Samson facing stiff competition from Jitesh Sharma, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan. The selectors face a challenge in assessing the middle-order capabilities of Rahul and Kishan, as they have not been tested in this IPL season’s lower batting order. Despite concerns over Hardik Pandya’s bowling fitness, his all-around abilities make him a likely pick, alongside the assured selection of Virat Kohli.
The core of the team seems set with captain Rohit Sharma, the dynamic Suryakumar Yadav, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, the versatile Ravindra Jadeja, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, promising Arshdeep Singh, consistent Mohammad Siraj, and the spin wizard Kuldeep Yadav. Siraj, in particular, has been given a rest by his IPL team, Royal Challengers Bangalore, to manage his workload effectively.
The left-handed Jaiswal offers a strategic advantage as the only southpaw in the top order, but Gill’s run-scoring prowess puts him in a strong position. The selection committee might have to make a tough call or find a way to include both talents, potentially at the expense of either Shivam or Rinku.
The ‘reserve’ spinner position is another area of contention, with Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravi Bishnoi in the fray. Patel’s dual role as a left-arm spinner and a handy batsman gives him an edge, while Chahal’s superior bowling skills are undeniable despite his surprising omissions from major tournaments. Bishnoi’s inclusion would add a fresh leg-spin option to the mix.
The BCCI may also consider taking Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, and Akash Madhwal as net bowlers, providing them with valuable exposure and experience at the international level.
The probable list of 20 players (15 main and 5 standbys) includes:
- Specialist Batsmen (6): Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh
- All-rounders (4): Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel
- Specialist Spinners (3): Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi
- Wicketkeeper Batsmen (3): Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson
- Fast Bowlers (4): Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan
The final squad will be a testament to the BCCI’s commitment to blending experience with performance as India gears up for the ICC mega tournament in the West Indies and America.
